Jokowi wins mandate to keep pushing Indonesia's economy forward

Second term to test president's appetite for structural reforms

Indonesia's presidential candidate Joko Widodo greets supporters during a campaign rally at a stadium in Serang, Banten province, Indonesia, on March 24. © Reuters

SHOTARO TANI, Nikkei staff writer

April 18, 2019 12:12 JST

JAKARTA -- Accelerating growth in Southeast Asia's biggest economy remains a challenge for Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, after an election in which voters appeared to have endorsed his approach so far.

Early counting suggests voters gave Widodo, 57, a former furniture maker, a solid mandate as it appears he beat challenger Prabowo Subianto by a greater percentage than when the two squared off in 2014.