Indonesia president congratulates poll winner Prabowo, markets cheer

Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto reacts while dancing as he claims victory after unofficial vote counts during an event to watch the results of the general election in Jakarta, Indonesia, February 14, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesia's President Joko Widodo said on Thursday he had congratulated Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto after unofficial counts showed the ex-special forces commander winning this week's presidential election in a single round of voting.

"I have, in person last night," the president, popularly known as Jokowi, told reporters when asked if he had congratulated Prabowo and his running mate.