Hundreds of thousands of people attended the final campaign day of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates in Indonesia at three different locations before 204 million voters decided on the leadership of the world's third-largest democracy on Wednesday (Feb 14).
The capital regions of Jakarta and Central Java were chosen today as the last locations for the campaign process, which has been ongoing for 75 days.
The events were attended by party leaders, famous guest artists who also performed, as well as supporters who were carrying banners, waving flags, and chanting slogans.
Presidential candidate Anies Baswedan and vice-presidential candidate Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin held their campaign at the Jakarta International Stadium in North Jakarta.
The campaign, themed “Berkumpul Berani Berubah” (Gather Courage to Change), was held at the football stadium with a capacity of 82,000 seats – built in 2019 while Anies was serving as the governor of Jakarta.
In his speech, Anies said: "Everyone involved here is an actor of change in the campaign in Indonesia; brothers and sisters, you are not spectators, not just participants, you are the drivers of change."
He stressed the importance of providing equal opportunities for all individuals and vowed not to let a handful of small groups dominate one-third of the nation's economy.
Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, held their campaign at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Central Jakarta.
Their campaign, “Pesta Rakyat untuk Indonesia Maju” (People's Festival for a Progressive Indonesia), continues to dominate several poll results as the leading choice.
Prabowo reiterated his promise to eradicate poverty, make Indonesia a respected country, and establish free school meal programmes.
“When the mandate is given, our first step will be to provide nutritious food for all children,” he said.
Addressing issues
The former governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo and former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, campaigned in Solo and Semarang, Central Java.
Their campaign, themed “Sambutan Rakyat” (People's Welcome), started at Fort Vastenburg, Solo, and ended at Padang Pancasila, Semarang.
In his speech, Ganjar emphasised issues like tackling high food prices and fertiliser shortages, to expanding access to education based on the real needs of the people.
“Leaders must feel what is inscribed in the hearts, minds, and feelings of their people,” he said.
The General Election Commission has set a three-day cooling-off period for the 2024 General Election (Pemilu) for the presidential and legislative member elections starting tomorrow – before the voting process takes place.
The 2024 Pemilu marks an important milestone for Indonesia as the nation selects a new leader to take over from Joko Widodo, whose second and final term ends in October.
If no candidate achieves more than 50 percent in the first round, a second round is scheduled for June with only the two most popular candidates.
- Bernama
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