Indonesia students protest alleged poll interference by Jokowi administration

A university student wears a joker mask during a protest against Indonesia's outgoing President Joko Widodo's perceived interference in the February 14th election, in Jakarta, Indonesia, February 7, 2024. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/File Photo

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Hundreds of Indonesian students and activists staged protests on Monday over what they see as outgoing President Joko Widodo's abuse of power to sway voters in this week's election in favour of frontrunner, Prabowo Subianto, organisers said.

Jokowi, as the incumbent is known, has not explicitly endorsed any of the three candidates vying to replace him as leader of the world's third-largest democracy. But he has made highly publicised appearances with Prabowo, and his eldest son is running on the same ticket for vice president.