Jokowi mounts defence during national address after being criticised for election interference

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, wearing traditional attire from Tanimbar Archipelago of Maluku province, greets the parliament members after delivering his State of the Nation Address ahead of the country's Independence Day, at the parliament building in Jakarta, Indonesia, August 16, 2023. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan/Pool TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Indonesian President Joko Widodo greeting Parliament members after delivering his State of the Nation Address in Jakarta on Aug 16.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Arlina Arshad

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JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday that he had no authority to decide who will be the country’s next leader, in an apparent turnabout from his remarks made earlier in 2023 that he would intervene in the upcoming elections behind the scenes.

Mr Widodo wields immense influence over the outcome of the presidential and legislative elections that will take place in February 2024 as well as the regional polls in November 2024, given his backing by seven of nine parties in the House of Representatives and millions of core voters.

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