Indonesia Gears Up For Presidential Polls

Three candidates are vying for the post of Indonesian president: current President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, better known as SBY in his country, former President Megawati Sukarnoputri and current Vice President Yusuf Kalla.

Throughout his campaign, the 59-year-old Yudhoyono insisted on his government’s economic achievements during its five-year term and promised to continue along the same lines.

“Our government’s priorities are: First, the economy must grow at a stronger rate in the coming years. We need to have at least 7 percent growth. Secondly, we must continue to combat poverty by boosting agriculture and developing rural areas and through more social programmes for the population. "

Despite the global financial crisis, Indonesia’s economy is projected to grow by 3 to 4 percent this year. But compared to the 6 percent growth last year, it is still in sharp decline.

Popular anti-corruption drive

Nonetheless, Yudhoyono has managed to reduce people’s fears. In April this year, his Democratic Party won the parliamentary polls by a landslide and became the strongest faction in parliament.

The president’s high popularity can also be attributed to his administration’s consistant drive against corruption. Several high-ranking officials have been arrested and indicted on corruption charges in recent years.

Yudhoyono did not even intervene last month when his son’s father-in-law was found guilty of corruption charges. He stressed the independence of the judiciary.

Riding on her father’s legacy

The second candidate is 62-year-old Megawati Sukarnoputri, the daughter of the founder of the republic, Sukarno, who is still hailed by many as being the hero of the struggle against colonialism.

But since the victory of her Democratic Party of Struggle in 1999’s legislative elections, Megawati’s popularity has slid. She was president from 2001 but stepped down in 2004 after losing against Yudoyono in Indonesia’s first direct presidential election.

During this year’s campaign she has tried to win over the crowd by reminding people of her father’s legacy: “Indonesia must become a greater nation in the future -- this was one of the noble goals of our republic’s foundation. Young people often forget that we are free today because freedom fighters freed this republic. Freedom!”

“Faster and better”

The third candidate, Yusuf Kalla, is the leader of the Golkar Party. A successful businessman, he is known for his quick decision-making.

The 67-year-old also has a reputation for criticising government departments and agencies for working too slowly.

In the last presidential elections, in 2004, Kalla joined Yudhoyono’s alliance and became vice president. Originally, they had also planned to work together this time.

But the Golkar elites were not satisfied with the post of vice-president -- they wanted their own presidential candidate. Kalla gave in to them and decided to stand against Yudhoyono. His slogan was “faster and better”:

"SBY took over the responsibility of the government from Megawati,” Kalla explained. “If I get the mandate, to take over the government’s responsibility from SBY, then I will solve all the problems faster and better."

Economic issues are the top priority

The economy is top of the agenda for all three candidates. Traders and investors have more confidence on Yudhoyono, who, they think, will be able to tackle the country’s current economic problems better.

"The economic climate has been improving, foreign investors are coming back,” explained economic expert Dandosi Matram. “We can see strong interest from abroad to invest, for example, in the automobile industry. A lot of activity can also been seen in the banking sector. Some foreign investors are interested in taking over some of the banks. And if foreign countries are investing in the banking sector, then it is only because they know they have good economic prospects. Foreign investors are confident that the economy will improve in the future."

All the opinion polls indicate that the incumbent Yudhoyono is ahead. The only question is whether the required majority of more than 50 percent will be achieved in the first ballot. If not, there will be a runoff election in September.

Authors: Hendra Pasuhuk & Disha Uppal
Editor: Anne Thomas