Chicken soup with Widodo to soothe tense souls in Indonesia as political dynasty storm rages on

Clockwise: President Joko Widodo (second from left), Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan., and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo, having lunch at the Jakarta state palace on Monday (Oct 30).

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (second from left) hosting presidential candidates (from left) Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo Subianto and Anies Baswedan to lunch on Oct 30.

PHOTO: JOKO WIDODO/FACEBOOK

Arlina Arshad

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JAKARTA – President Joko Widodo’s recent

lunch with all three presidential candidates

in Indonesia was aimed at showcasing his neutrality, amid accusations that he is trying to build a political dynasty through his elder son, who is the running mate of the leading contender, analysts said.

Photos of the smiling Indonesian leader made headlines on Monday as he hosted Mr Prabowo Subianto, Mr Ganjar Pranowo and Mr Anies Baswedan to a spread of black pepper beef, squid, prawns and soto Lamongan – a chicken soup that is the speciality of East Java’s Lamongan regency – at the Jakarta state palace.

Chicken soup with Widodo to soothe tense souls in Indonesia as political dynasty storm rages on

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