Prabowo's candidates lead in key Indonesia governor races, except Jakarta

Runoff expected in capital after opposition wins first round

Pramono Anung, former cabinet secretary backed by the opposition party, leads in the Jakarta governor race, according to quick counts. But a runoff is expected as no candidate is likely to win a majority. © EPA/Jiji

ISMI DAMAYANTI and REZHA HADYAN, Nikkei staff writers

November 28, 2024 13:54 JST

JAKARTA -- Gubernatorial candidates backed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are likely to secure victory across the country's key provinces -- except in Jakarta, where the opposition-backed hopeful has gained a lead, results from usually reliable surveys show.

Indonesians cast their votes for the governors of 37 provinces as well as 508 municipalities and regencies nationwide on Wednesday, the first time that the country held regional elections simultaneously after it introduced direct votes for local leaders 20 years ago.