Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s endorsement of candidates in the upcoming regional elections has stirred debate across the nation, especially on social media, where many netizens question the fairness of his public support. Although his endorsements are technically permitted by Indonesian election laws, Prabowo’s actions are drawing scrutiny regarding the impartiality expected from a sitting president.
The upcoming regional elections, scheduled for November 27, have seen increased public and political interest due to the heightened importance of gubernatorial and local leadership roles across Indonesia. As the chair of the Gerindra Party, Prabowo’s involvement highlights the tension between his dual role as a party leader and the country’s president, sparking questions about how his endorsements might impact the election’s perceived fairness.
Prabowo’s public support for Ahmad Luthfi and Taj Yasin, a candidate pair running for governor and deputy governor in Central Java, has been particularly contentious. The endorsement, made on Prabowo’s official Gerindra Party platform, drew sharp reactions from social media users and political commentators. Many have questioned whether the endorsement contradicts his earlier calls for neutrality in the election process, with some seeing his involvement as potentially tilting the scales in favor of Gerindra-aligned candidates.
An Instagram user commented on the endorsement post, “Such partiality is not fair to other candidates.” Similarly, a user on X (formerly Twitter) posted, “(Mr. Prabowo) said the regional elections are supposed to be neutral, but he endorses Ahmad Luthfi-Taj Yasin instead.”
In response to these criticisms, Hasan Nasbi, head of the Presidential Communications Office, clarified that Prabowo’s endorsement was strictly in his capacity as the chairman of the Gerindra Party, rather than as president. Nasbi emphasized that election rules do not restrict party leaders from expressing support for candidates, regardless of whether they hold public office.
“As the general chairman of the Gerindra Party, Mr. Prabowo is entitled to offer recommendations and support regional head candidates that are backed by his party,” Nasbi said in a statement to local media. He further explained that government officials affiliated with political parties have the right to endorse candidates, drawing a clear distinction between political figures and the military, police, or state civil servants (ASN), who are bound by stricter neutrality rules.
In Indonesia, election regulations grant political figures some leeway to participate in electoral campaigns and endorse candidates from their parties. This stance, Nasbi explained, is rooted in the legal framework, which differentiates between politically affiliated officeholders and civil servants. Ministers and officials affiliated with political parties are allowed to endorse or even campaign for candidates of their choice. By contrast, neutrality rules apply more strictly to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and the state civil service (ASN), where any political affiliation is explicitly restricted.
This legal distinction has precedent in Indonesia’s political landscape, though Prabowo’s endorsements are noteworthy as they are the first instances of a sitting president openly backing specific regional candidates. Indonesia’s regional elections, implemented in 2005, allow citizens to vote directly for governors, regents, and mayors, making regional positions highly competitive and influential.
Indonesia witnessed its first simultaneous regional elections in 2015, under then-President Joko Widodo. However, neither Widodo nor his predecessor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, endorsed candidates publicly in the same manner as Prabowo. This new development introduces an element of uncertainty, with some analysts speculating whether this could lead to future changes in the expectations surrounding presidential conduct during regional elections.
Beyond Central Java, Prabowo has also thrown his support behind Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Ridwan Kamil, as confirmed by Kamil himself. “The governors that are backed by Mr. Prabowo Subianto are the Ridwan Kamil-Suswono pair,” Kamil told reporters. The support for Kamil, a popular figure in Indonesian politics, is significant, considering that Prabowo’s coalition faces stiff competition from rivals, including PDI-P-backed candidates.
Earlier this month, Prabowo shared images of a dinner with Kamil, sparking speculation about the extent of his support. Observers noted the timing, as some coalition politicians have aligned themselves with Kamil’s rival, Pramono Anung of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
Prabowo’s endorsements extend beyond Java. During a lunch event in Denpasar, Bali on November 3, Prabowo expressed his backing for the Bali gubernatorial candidates Made Muliawan and Putu Agus Suradnyana, both part of his coalition. The endorsement coincided with Prabowo’s ongoing commitment to developing the North Bali International Airport, a project that has gained considerable media attention and public interest. The gathering, attended solely by Gerindra-backed candidates, saw Prabowo reiterate his commitment to supporting Bali’s economic development, potentially positioning his endorsed candidates as central figures in this initiative.
The response from the public has been mixed, with a considerable number of netizens voicing skepticism about Prabowo’s impartiality. Online platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook have seen a surge in posts, comments, and discussions regarding Prabowo’s endorsements. Many argue that his actions contradict his own calls for neutrality, while others maintain that his support is expected, given his position within the Gerindra Party.
“President Prabowo has the right to support his party’s candidates, but doing so openly sets a concerning precedent,” commented one Facebook user. Another netizen pointed out the potential for perceived favoritism, stating, “If the president is endorsing specific candidates, how can we believe in a fair election?”
These concerns reflect a broader sentiment of caution among Indonesian voters, who are increasingly aware of the influence political endorsements can have on the electoral process. Observers argue that such endorsements, while legally permissible, may influence voter perceptions and raise questions about the balance of power between the presidency and regional offices.
Analysts and political commentators have noted that Prabowo’s strategy could strengthen Gerindra’s foothold across the regions, especially in strategic areas like Central Java and Jakarta. His open support for candidates may signal his intent to consolidate regional power structures under his party’s influence, thereby creating a more robust platform for Gerindra’s policy initiatives.
The impact of Prabowo’s endorsements, however, is not limited to electoral gains. Some analysts suggest that his actions could redefine the expectations for future presidents in Indonesia, potentially encouraging successors to adopt a more hands-on approach in regional politics. Conversely, there is a risk that these endorsements could lead to increased political polarization and skepticism about the impartiality of high-ranking officials.
Prabowo’s backing of Kamil, for instance, introduces an additional layer of complexity, as the latter is seen as a potential candidate in future national elections. If successful, Kamil’s tenure as governor could bolster his political profile, and by extension, further Gerindra’s long-term strategic goals.
However, the risks associated with this approach are equally apparent. Public perceptions of partiality may erode trust in the electoral process, with critics warning that the president’s endorsements might discourage other candidates and their supporters. By aligning himself publicly with certain candidates, Prabowo risks alienating voters who may view these endorsements as undue political influence.
