BY SITI NURAIN RATANI
KUCHING: As expected, unofficial results indicate that the Indonesian people unanimously chose the second candidate, the alliance between Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming, in the 2024 General Election.
So far, the 2024 Presidential Election favours this alliance, still leading in quick count results from various institutions.
Despite many predicting its credibility, the quick count results of this election have surprised some.
According to IDN Times editor-in-chief Uni Lubis, predictions by media practitioners and political analysts anticipated a second round for both pairs (Prabowo-Gibran and Anies Baswedan-Dr Muhaimin Iskandar).
However, she said, those expectations were off the mark after the quick count process showed that Prabowo’s vote exceeded 50 per cent.
Meanwhile, the first candidate, Anies Baswedan, lagged behind with a percentage slightly below 30 per cent.
Uni explained that a primary factor influencing voters was the impact of social media, especially TikTok.
She said the strong influence of social media contributed significantly to the election outcome, especially among young voters.
Uni mentioned that Tutut was a factor in Prabowo’s victory, attributing it to the support from Jokowi (Joko Widodo), who has a deep understanding of political strategy.
“This support helped Prabowo overcome his opponents in this presidential election.
“Some might say the main factors for victory are having a strong vision, mission, and good integrity as desired by the people, but Jokowi’s role in Indonesian politics seems not to be overlooked.
“His presence as a leader close to the people is one of the crucial aspects in today’s politics,” she said when interviewed by ISWAMI Malaysia media practitioners here on Thursday (Feb 15).
However, she said, what was more surprising was the significant decrease in the percentage of votes for Ganjar Mahfud.
“This result is far different from the predictions and surveys conducted earlier,” she added.
Earlier, the ISWAMI delegation witnessed the voting process for the 2024 election and paid a courtesy visit to Uni, also observing the quick count process at the IDN News office here.
The visit was led by ISWAMI Malaysia secretary-general Mohd Shukri Ishak, who is also the chief of Broadcasting (TV and Radio) for the National News Agency of Malaysia (BERNAMA).
