Indonesian presidential hopeful Ganjar projects grassroots appeal as popularity slips

FILE PHOTO: Ganjar Pranowo, presidential candidate of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), speaks during a televised debate at the election commission headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, December 12, 2023. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/File Photo

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian presidential hopeful Ganjar Pranowo faces an uphill battle against rivals ahead of February's election but is pinning his hopes on an intensive grassroots campaign to boost his prospects.

Just two months out from the Feb. 14 poll, opinion surveys show Ganjar, an early favourite, slipping in popularity as defence minister and former general Prabowo Subianto commands a 20-point lead.