Analysis: Fear of a Jokowi political dynasty in Indonesia deepens after controversial court ruling

JOKOWI’S LEGACY IN QUESTION

A Constitutional Court ruling is final and binding in Indonesia with no chances of appealing.

General Elections Commission (KPU) member Idham Holik said the commission will make necessary changes to the existing regulations and administrative requirements to accommodate Monday’s ruling.

“The KPU as election organiser will honour and comply with the election law and the ruling of the Constitutional Court,” Mr Holik told a press conference on Monday evening.

The KPU commissioner did not say when these technical regulations will be amended.

Indonesia, the world’s third biggest democracy, is set to stage simultaneous presidential and legislative elections on Feb 14 and experts predict that it will be a tight race between Mr Subianto and Mr Pranowo with the third candidate, former Jakarta Governor, Mr Anies Baswedan trailing far behind.

Registration for presidential and vice presidential candidates is set to open on Thursday and end on Oct 25.

The president, popularly known as Jokowi, refused to comment much about the court ruling.

“Let the legal expert be the judge (of the ruling),” Mr Widodo said on his official YouTube channel on Monday evening. “I do not wish to provide an opinion to the Constitutional Court ruling.”

He also refused to say much about the chances of his son participating in the Feb 14 presidential elections. “Ask the political parties. That is their jurisdiction,” said Mr Widodo.

Mr Rakabuming also refused to comment on the matter. “Please don’t ask me about the Constitutional Court (ruling). You should ask the legal experts instead,” he told local media.

When asked about his chances of participating in the presidential election, the mayor said he is still focusing on his duties in Solo.

Mdm Gita Putri Damayana, a researcher from Indonesia’s Law and Policy Study Centre (PSHK), said whether or not Mr Rakabuming makes the most out of the ruling will shape his father’s legacy.

“The law now allows (Mr Widodo’s) son to run for a presidential ticket. The question is: ‘Should he?’,” Mdm Damayana told CNA.

“If Jokowi wants to say that he had nothing to do with the ruling, that he is not interested in establishing a political dynasty or retain influence and power after he steps down, and set a good example for the country’s democracy, then he should not let his son run.”