Prabowo faces 'power game' with Jokowi after claiming victory

Analysts say costly election pledges in focus amid fiscal discipline concern

Indonesian Defense Minister and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, left, and his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming, speak to supporters in Jakarta on Feb. 14. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

NANA SHIBATA and ERWIDA MAULIA, Nikkei staff writers

February 15, 2024 16:52 JST

JAKARTA -- The results of Wednesday's presidential election in Indonesia will shift the political landscape in Southeast Asia's largest economy, with one analyst saying a power battle between Prabowo Subianto, who has claimed victory, and incumbent leader Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has begun.

As of 10 a.m., major pollsters' unofficial quick counts, based on about 95% of the votes counted at sample polling stations, showed Prabowo winning 57% to 59% of the ballots cast, far ahead of his two rivals, former Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan, at 24% to 25%, and former Central Java Gov. Ganjar Pranowo's 15% to 17%.