Jokowi retains his political influence in Indonesia with Prabowo as next president

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto (left) seen here with his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka addresses supporters after polls closed on Feb 14, 2024. - AFP

JAKARTA: The third time was indeed the charm for Prabowo Subianto, after unofficial results indicated he had won Indonesia’s presidential polls on Feb 14 following two failed attempts for the top job.

The defence minister and his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is President Joko Widodo’s son, soared past the simple majority mark of 50 per cent to avoid a run-off vote, according to quick count tallies from independent survey agencies.