Indonesian elections: Voices from the ground

JAKARTA — TODAY’s Amir Hussain is covering the Indonesian presidential elections in Jakarta. He interviewed some voters on their choices for the nation’s next president and reasons behind them.

Bakri, 31, a security guard, said selecting between the candidates would be a difficult choice but that Mr Widodo “has a proven track record and he has brought changes to the city”.

Alexander Lim, 32, film programmer: 

“I’m from Solo, so I know what good he (Mr Widodo) has done to my hometown (in Central Java) during his tenure as mayor. I want a leader who has a proven track record of working for the people.”

Jefry Hutagalung, 38, mechanical piping engineer:

“His (Mr Widodo’s) speech and implementation are in sync, although he doesn’t have grand concept or vision and mission.”

“I’m a bit disappointed with his performance during the second debate. He couldn’t counter Prabowo’s empty rhetoric. Jokowi said he would set up barriers on foreign investment, he should’ve said that we’re open to foreign investment but the percentage of local content should be high.”

Hartoyo, 41, a taxi driver, says he will vote for the “strong” and “decisive” Mr Prabowo because “we’ve been lagging behind other countries (economically).” 

Alfiah, 64, mee soto seller

“I think both are good but with (Mr Prabowo’s) military background, I feel he is more capable in solving this country’s problems.”

Ms Anissa Setyawati, 42, a public relations officer, believes that Mr Prabowo fulfils the requirements of the job. “I feel that we’ve been missing a figure with strong character and who is decisive. Indonesia needs this guy to lead the nation to compete at regional and international levels.”

Ms Laila Sofianty, 37, professional with an energy company

“I have never cast a vote before and I won’t vote this year because I don’t see any candidate who is convincing. Whoever wins doesn’t really affect me. Prabowo has genuine and sincere interest toward food production increase, which I think is important. But Jokowi has experience in government, and Prabowo does not. So, I think they should’ve run as a team, because I think they are complementary. Then maybe I would vote”

Mr Indra Gunawan, 40, executive employee

“I’ve been voting all this time but not this year. I’m sick of those politicians, I don’t believe them anymore. They never meet their promises, the country’s growth has been stagnant, corruption is still rampant… I’ve just had it.”