Indonesian President Joko Widodo brushes off talk of political dynasty
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President Joko Widodo said the choice of Indonesia's next president should be left to the people.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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JAKARTA – Indonesia’s outgoing President Joko Widodo on Friday brushed off a question about growing criticism that he is building a political dynasty as the end of his term draws near.
He said the choice of leader should be left to the people.
Mr Widodo will complete his second and final term in October 2024.
But the appointment of relatives to various political positions as a Feb 14 election draws closer has raised eyebrows in a country that broke free of authoritarian rule 25 years ago.
When asked about his thoughts on dynastic politics, Mr Widodo told reporters: “Just leave it to the people”.
He did not elaborate.
His youngest son, Mr Kaesang Pangarep, was in September named leader of a youth party
His eldest son, Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is mayor of the city of Solo, has been touted as a vice-presidential candidate for former special forces commander Prabowo Subianto
Indonesia has a record of dynastic politics.
During the 32-year rule of former strongman president Suharto, his eldest daughter served as a Cabinet minister.
Ms Megawati Soekarnoputri, the daughter of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, served as president and leads the biggest party in Parliament.
Her daughter is the Speaker of the House.
The race to lead the world’s third-largest democracy is dominated by three men: Mr Prabowo, who is ahead in opinion polls, former Central Java province governor Ganjar Pranowo, and former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan.
The three and their running mates are expected to register as candidates from next Thursday to Oct 25. REUTERS
