Thousands cast early votes for Indonesia presidential election
KUCHING: Thousands of Indonesians across Sarawak took part in the final day of early voting for the republic’s presidential election.
The process actually began on April 8 and 9 for those working in plantations and factories outside Kuching, who cast their vote through the Mobile Ballot Box (MBB).
Indonesians residing here took part in early voting yesterday, with some 1,900 citizens thronging the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, at Jalan Stutong here, since 8am.
Indonesia’s Consul- General in Kuching Yonny Tri Prayitno told The Borneo Post that the early voting process went smoothly for those outside Kuching, as well as those in the city.
“A total of 138,953 Indonesians in Sarawak are eligible to vote for the presidential election, and most of them have done so either through postal vote or via the MBB.
“Those who have not voted, they can do so at the early voting centre here (Consulate- General) today (yesterday) until 6pm,” he explained.
Votes cast in Sarawak would be kept sealed until April 17, which would be the day when every vote cast around the world for Indonesia presidential election would be counted to determine who would be the next leader of the republic.
Incumbent president Joko Widodo – more popularly known as ‘Jokowi’ – is seeking re- election against former army general Prabowo Subianto, for the 20192024 term.
Jokowi has selected one of the most influential Muslim figures in Indonesia, Ma’ruf Amin, 76, as his running mate, while Prabowo’s is former Jakarta deputy governor Sandiaga Uno, 49.