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'Dynasty in the making' as President Jokowi shadow hangs over general elections
The incumbent president is barred from a third term but remains hugely popular, with observers saying he is using his influence to install his sons into prominent political positions, moves that have raised eyebrows in the archipelago nation.
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In this handout photo released by Media Indonesia on November 2, 2014, Indonesia's President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo (center) stands with First Lady Iriana Widodo (4th L), son Gibran Rakabuming (5th L), daughter Kahiyang Ayu (L) and Kaesang Pangarep (2nd L) for an unofficial portrait of Indonesia's First Family at the Jakarta governor's residence on October 20, 2014 shortly before the official inauguration at the House of Representatives. (AFP/Ramdani)
J
oko "Jokowi" Widodo has led Indonesia for a nearly a decade pledging to do things differently, but he stands accused of manoeuvring to build his own political dynasty in next month's presidential vote in a country long known for its nepotistic politics.
The incumbent president is barred from a third term but remains hugely popular, with observers saying he is using his influence to install his sons into prominent political positions, moves that have raised eyebrows in the archipelago nation.
His eldest son was named the country's youngest-ever vice presidential candidate last year to run with frontrunner and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto.
"It is very obvious that this is a political dynasty in the making," said Made Supriatma, a political expert at the Singapore-based ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute.
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 36-year-old mayor of Surakarta city, became Prabowo's running mate after Widodo's brother-in-law and chief justice Anwar Usman issued a controversial ruling in October lowering the minimum age for candidates.
Jokowi's youngest son has also risen to chairman of a political party despite no prior experience.
They have been helped by the approval ratings of Jokowi, who rose from humble beginnings to the top political office, with more than three-quarters of Indonesians approving of his rule, according to recent polls.
