Indonesia: Electoral campaign to start on September 23

Event

The electoral campaign for the April 17, 2019, presidential and legislative elections will kick off on September 23. Some 187 million Indonesians are eligible to vote in the upcoming polls. An increase in the frequency of political demonstrations and rallies, as well as other electoral events, are to be anticipated in the coming months.

Context

Under Indonesian law, political parties need to receive a minimum of 20 percent of seats in Parliament, or 25 percent share of the popular vote, before they can nominate a presidential candidate. The ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) currently holds just under 20 percent of seats. Golkar, the second-largest party after the PDI-P, has 16 percent. The main contest is between President Joko Widodo and his rival, former General Prabowo Subianto (Gerindra party).

Advice

As a precaution, individuals in Indonesia are advised to stay away from political gatherings and rallies due to the risk of violence, avoid discussing sensitive political issues in public, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.