Of the estimated 186 million eligible voters in Indonesia, 30 per cent are aged between 17 and 29. Nearly half of them will be voting for the first time. In Indonesia, anyone aged at least 17 or married can vote.

Young voters TODAY spoke to cited Mr Widodo’s track record and Mr Prabowo’s “firm character” as reasons for their support, not unlike those cited by other age groups.

“What I’m looking out for is a heart that truly cares about the direction Indonesia is going in,” said recent university graduate Venisa Tjahjono, 22.

Analysts say young voters — who could hold sway over the election result — tend to choose a candidate who is strong, responsive and better able to connect with them.

“I believe the actual vote will be a photo finish ... (and) the deciders will be the 50 to 60 million new and young voters who are going to vote with their heads and not hearts, and both candidates have a different appeal,” said NUS political scientist Bilveer Singh.

Dr Siti Zuhro of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences said, while young voters across the country are not a homogeneous group, most of them prefer a candidate who is “smart, decisive, responsive and accommodating”.

Political analyst Bawono Kumoro said first-time voters tend to choose a candidate “who is very active using social media (Facebook and Twitter), speaks their language, understands their way of life and approaches the young communities”.With young Indonesians among the world’s most active users of social media, both candidates have actively wooed voters on Facebook and Twitter.

A survey released by Pol-Tracking Institute on Sunday showed undergraduates favoured Mr Prabowo. About 48.3 per cent of respondents said they support the former general, compared with 40.4 per cent backing the Jakarta Governor. AMIR HUSSAIN AND HERA DIANI