Although more people disagree with the president’s statement, the fact that 39.5% of the public agrees with Prabowo’s statement cannot be taken lightly, especially given that the president’s supporters and aides continue to amplify allegations of foreign interference through Indonesian proxies on traditional and social media.

One criticism of direct pilkada is that they have contributed to a proliferation of political dynasties at the local level, and there is some truth in this. However, we doubt that transitioning from direct elections to appointment by the DPRDs is the solution to the problem of dynastic politics. In fact, we think it will only exacerbate it. 

As the dust settles on the electoral contestations, we ask experts for their initial assessments of different aspects of the elections.

It is suggested here that the emergence of political dynasties, including Jokowi’s, has  been facilitated by Indonesian voters’ indifferent, if not even supportive, attitude towards dynastic politics.

More than 100 dynastic politicians are set to compete in the 2020 regional head elections. Yoes C Kenawas examines the roots of the problem and what can be done about it.