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Questions raised about Jokowi, Prabowo postelection dynamics
Once he takes office in October, former Army general Prabowo Subianto may set his own agenda rather than completely following in President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's footsteps, although the politician still needs to compromise with his predecessor, analysts have said.
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President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo (left) shakes hands with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (right) on Feb. 19, 2024, during the inauguration of Panglima Besar Soedirman National Defense Central Hospital (RSPPN) in Jakarta. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak A)
Incumbent Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto’s ascension to the presidency may have proved that widely popular President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo maintained a strong influence in last week’s presidential election.
The question now lingers: For how long will Jokowi retain influence in the presidency of his preferred successor?
Analysts have said that Prabowo’s landslide victory of 58 percent according to quick count results was possible thanks to the unlikely alliance he struck with Jokowi, who has maintained approval rating of around 80 percent while nearing the end of his second term.
The former Army general has seen his popularity steadily rise since he named Jokowi’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his vice presidential candidate, positioning himself as the voice of continuity among rivals.
Political commentators describe the Prabowo-Jokowi relationship as one of mutual convenience, with the former riding on the popularity of the latter, who is attempting to build his own political dynasty and exert influence through his son once his term ends in October.
Read also: Prabowo faces policy scrutiny after free-market comments
But observers are questioning whether the alliance will last once Jokowi leaves office and Prabowo, who has been his rival in past elections, takes over.
