Indonesia witnessed its most divisive presidential election that split voters between President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s predominantly nationalist base and Prabowo Subianto’s conservative Muslims supporters. The battle was not only in the political and national arena as arguments frayed relations between friends and families.

However, citizens can expect less fuss in the political sphere in 2020 as at the end of the decade Jokowi made moves that accommodated many of his political supporters, as well as his opponents.

“Politics will be more solid and consolidated as Jokowi has kicked off his second term as a more experienced politician who knows how to handle his rivals,” a political expert from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Noory Okhtariza, told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

He cited Prabowo and his Gerindra party, previously the leader of the opposition who had joined the Cabinet and the pro-government coalition in the aftermath of the election. The decision left the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) as the sole opposition against the government.

Economists have also projected that Indonesia is expected to perform slightly better next year, in line with the improved economic outlook in the global environment.

Samuel Sekuritas economist Lana Soelistianingsih said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) could expand by 5.09 percent next year amid cooling global uncertainties.

Popular

Malaysia says China ready to sign SEA nuclear weapons-free treaty

Solving the development crisis with quality finance

Uncertainty looms over northern Bali airport project