In just a few days, Indonesians will have the opportunity to elect their new president, marking the end of President Joko Widodo's second and final term. This election holds great importance for the world's third-largest democracy and the most populous Muslim-majority nation, with approximately 205 million people eligible to vote. The race is mainly between current Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo.
Prabowo Subianto stands out as the only candidate with ties to the Suharto dictatorship, which spanned from 1967 to 1998. During this time, Subianto served as a lieutenant general and was involved in the Kopassus special forces. However, he was dishonorably discharged in 1998 due to the kidnapping and torture of political opponents of Suharto, his then-father-in-law. Although he never faced trial, several of his men were convicted. Subianto went into self-exile in Jordan but returned to Indonesia, founding the Gerindra Party in 2008. Despite losing to President Joko Widodo in two previous presidential elections, he now leads the race according to polls.
