ASEAN Beat

Why Indonesia’s West Java Election Matters

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ASEAN Beat

Why Indonesia’s West Java Election Matters

The poll is being viewed as an early test of how Jokowi might fare in the general election next year.

On June 27, millions of voters across Indonesia will head to the polls for elections at the governor, mayoral and district head levels. No race commands as much attention and interrogation as West Java, whose incumbent is unable to run again, widening the field as the parties begin looking towards the April 2019 presidential election.

This month’s regional elections have long been seen as a test ahead of next year’s presidential election; no race more so than the West Java gubernatorial. The province is one of the most densely populated areas in the world with a population just shy of 47 million, making it one of the most visible and powerful leadership positions in the country. With an expected 32.8 million eligible voters, how West Java goes often is viewed as how the rest of Java – and in turn the country – will go next year.

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