News analysis

Indonesian V-P Jusuf Kalla hedges his bets ahead of election

Jusuf Kalla has influence to affect outcome as he cosies up to Jokowi's challenger, Prabowo

President Joko Widodo with Vice-President Jusuf Kalla at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Jakarta this month.
President Joko Widodo with Vice-President Jusuf Kalla at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Jakarta this month. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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Indonesia's Vice-President Jusuf Kalla is not on the ticket of next year's presidential election, but his moves in recent weeks are being closely watched as he still wields enough influence to affect the outcome of the polls, observers say.

And so far, Mr Kalla seems to be putting his eggs in both baskets in the two-way presidential race.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 31, 2018, with the headline Indonesian V-P Jusuf Kalla hedges his bets ahead of election . Subscribe