Indonesia’s Democracy Is Stronger Than a Strongman
Foreign AffairsFeb 04
Indonesia: Subianto Claims Victory in Presidential Election
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The Facts
Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has claimed victory in Wednesday's presidential election as unofficial results with about 85% of the ballots counted show him leading the race with nearly 60% of the vote.
If official results next month confirm these preliminary counts from pollsters, the 72-year-old is likely to win the presidency outright. A candidate must secure over 50% of the votes as well as at least 20% of the vote in over half of Indonesia's provinces to avoid a run-off.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Gen. Prabowo Subianto, a longtime US protégé who managed to gain support from his country's political elites ahead of this presidential race, has long expressed support for authoritarian military rule. Therefore, his likely election victory represents nothing but the end of democracy in Indonesia.
Pro-establishment narrative
Prabowo Subianto indeed has a troubled record regarding human rights and his own short temper but sensationalism over his possible presidency is unfounded. Those supporting his presidential bid are not discontent with democracy — quite the contrary. In fact, Subianto represents continuity and an implicit faith in democratic institutions.