Widodo pledges to build a ‘new Indonesia’

Published July 6, 2014
Jakarta: Indonesian presidential candidate Joko  ‘Jokowi’ Widodo speaks at a rally here on Saturday.—Reuters
Jakarta: Indonesian presidential candidate Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo speaks at a rally here on Saturday.—Reuters

JAKARTA: Presidential hopeful Joko Widodo pledged to build a “new history” for Indonesia at a huge campaign rally on Saturday, a last push to win votes in a tight election race.

Tens of thousands of cheering supporters waved flags emblazoned with pictures of Widodo, known by his nickname Jokowi, at Jakarta’s main stadium on the final day of campaigning before Wednesday’s election.

Backers of his only rival, Prabowo Subianto, were holding rallies to show their support across the country, while the ex-general took time out to prepare for a televised debate with Widodo later on Saturday.

At the rally, Widodo — seen as a fresh face in a country still dominated by figures from the autocratic Suharto era — told the cheering crowd: “We are on the verge of building a new history.” The Jakarta governor added that his push for the presidency had been “hit by smear campaigns but we didn’t fall apart because we truly believe in the Republic of Indonesia”.

He was referring to a flood of negative attacks on him that have eroded his popularity, including that he is not a Muslim, a damaging charge in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

As well as the smear campaigns, Prabowo has extended his lead due to a slick, well-funded campaign, a contrast with Widodo’s often disorganised effort.

Before Widodo’s speech, dozens of singers and bands performed for free to show their support. From Sunday, no more campaigning is allowed before the vote.

As well as being seen as a break from the era of dictator Suharto, Widodo has also won plaudits for his common touch and being a clean leader in a graft-ridden country.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.