Indonesian General Election - April 17, 2019

On April 17, 2019, Indonesia held its general election, marking a significant moment in the country’s democratic history. This election was notable for being the largest single-day election in the world, with over 190 million eligible voters. The event was a logistical marvel, involving the simultaneous conduct of presidential, legislative, and regional elections across the vast archipelago.

Context and Background

Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, has a complex electoral system. The 2019 election was the first time the country combined the presidential and legislative elections on the same day, a decision made to streamline the electoral process and reduce costs. The election was a massive undertaking, involving:

• 800,000 polling stations across the country.
• 6 million election workers to facilitate the voting process.
• 245,000 candidates vying for over 20,000 seats at various levels of government.

Key Events

Presidential Election

The presidential election was a rematch between the incumbent President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, and his challenger Prabowo Subianto. Jokowi, representing the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), campaigned on a platform of infrastructure development and economic growth. Prabowo, a former general and leader of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), focused on issues of national security and economic nationalism.

Legislative Elections

Simultaneously, voters elected members of the People’s Consultative Assembly, which includes the People’s Representative Council (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD). The legislative elections were crucial in determining the balance of power in Indonesia’s multiparty system.

Results and Aftermath

• Presidential Outcome: Joko Widodo won re-election with approximately 55.5% of the vote, securing a second term in office. His victory was seen as an endorsement of his policies and leadership style.

• Legislative Outcome: The PDI-P emerged as the largest party in the DPR, strengthening Jokowi’s position. However, the election also highlighted the fragmented nature of Indonesian politics, with numerous parties gaining representation.

• Challenges: The election was not without challenges. There were reports of logistical issues, and the sheer scale of the operation led to the unfortunate deaths of several election workers due to exhaustion.

Historical Significance

The 2019 Indonesian general election was a testament to the country’s commitment to democracy, showcasing its ability to conduct a complex electoral process on an unprecedented scale. It reinforced Indonesia’s status as a stable democracy in Southeast Asia and highlighted the importance of electoral reforms to accommodate its growing electorate.

The election’s outcome set the stage for Jokowi’s second term, focusing on continued economic development and infrastructure projects. It also underscored the need for political parties to adapt to the evolving political landscape, characterized by a young and increasingly connected electorate.

Overall, the 2019 election was a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s democratic journey, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of conducting elections in one of the world’s most populous and diverse nations.