Indonesia’s Prabowo, Jokowi’s son Gibran register for 2024 presidential poll amid concerns of dynastic politics

When asked by CNA whether he is still a member of the ruling PDI-P, Mr Raka – the vice-presidential hopeful – played coy.

“I met and spoke with Mdm Puan (house speaker, PDI-P member, daughter of chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri) on Friday,” said Mr Raka, who did not answer when asked what the meeting was about nor when pressed about his membership with the party.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has accompanied us to the election commission today,” said Mr Raka whose political career began in earnest in Feb 2021 when he became the mayor of Solo city in Central Java.

Despite some protests in recent days and concerns that Indonesia will have a new political dynasty consisting of Mr Widodo’s family, supporters believe that Mr Subianto and Mr Raka should be the next leaders of Indonesia.

The pair appears to be the preferred presidential and vice-presidential candidates of choice for 49-year-old street food vendor Siti Maryam.

“I like Mr Subianto because he is a brave and strong man,” said Mdm Maryam.

She arrived at the election commission at 8am to see and show her support for Mr Subianto and Mr Raka.

Mr Budi Susanto, 25, is also a fan of the retired general and former entrepreneur.

“I think they make a good pair. One is experienced, while the other one is young,” said Mr Susanto, a freelance writer.

According to pollster Lembaga Survei Indonesia (LSI) on Oct 22, Mr Subianto and Mr Raka are leading with 35.9 per cent, followed by Mr Pranowo and Mr Mahfud at 26.1 per cent. In third place are Mr Baswedan and Mr Iskandar, whose popularity rating is 19.6 per cent.

The election commission will announce the candidates’ eligibility to run on Nov 13 before campaigning starts on Nov 28.

Indonesia is set to stage its general elections on Feb 14.