Ahead of Indonesia’s general election, 14 February, a Monash expert is available to discuss the political landscape for Australia’s largest neighbour.
Associate Professor Sharyn Davies, Director, Herb Feith Indonesia Centre, Faculty of Arts, Monash University
Contact: +61 410 069 980 or sharyn.davies@monash.edu
Read more of Associate Professor Davies’ commentary at Monash Lens
The following can be attributed to Associate Professor Davies:
“The upcoming fifth Indonesian national election is a crucial event in the nation's democratic process. Indonesia is the world's fourth-most populous country and has a diverse political landscape with various parties vying for power. It is Australia's largest neighbour.
“There are three leading figures in the election: Prawbowo, Ganjar and Anies. The election will in large part be a popularity contest, with none of the leading figures standing on a clear political platform. Notably, the dynastic trends within Indonesian politics surface prominently: Prawbowo's running mate is the son of the current President of Indonesia, and Prawbowo himself has long been closely aligned with Indonesia's ruling elite.
“The key issues that will be on the table include economic development, social welfare, environmental concerns, and foreign policy. Voter turnout and engagement are also significant aspects and in Indonesia, the diverse population adds complexity as does money politics. The outcome will shape Indonesia's policies on regional and global stages, influencing relationships with neighbouring countries and international partners.”
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, please contact the Monash University Media team on +61 3 9903 4840 or media@monash.edu