A teenager’s insight to the 2009 Indonesian Presidential Election

In this insight, I try to be as objective as possible.

1. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Boediono

Indeed, these couple sells what they have done during the last five years (though SBY should have credited JK more for this, instead of embracing Boediono who had not done much).

Their main selling point is to continue the current hard work in order to achieve more with SBY. Some may be disappointed for SBY’s choice of Boediono though, being a nonparty member and not having much in his resume to begin with.

This couple would have the largest supporter base from Indonesians of all walks of life who deem the incumbent administration’s works as satisfactory.

2. Megawati Soekarnoputri and Prabowo Soebianto

Minorities such as the Chinese and Balinese Hindus are well-known for their unfailing support for Megawati’s PDI-P party. Now since Bali (which originally has the biggest fan base for PDI-P) has recently ‘converted’ some of their regions into a Gerindra (Prabowo’s party) supporter base, it would be a safe bet that this couple would win most of the hearts in Bali and Lombok.

Most of those who are discontent with the current SBY administration and has little awe for JK’s running mate Wiranto would have no other choice but Megawati. Though some may still view Prabowo suspiciously, what with all the allegations of him having been involved in the tortures and kidnappings during the New Order; some people may be able to see him as an effectively populist politician.

Together with Mega, Prabowo indeed sells toward the rural communities and minority groups.

3. Jusuf Kalla and Wiranto

These two have the largest penchant towards an Islamic-based politics… Gains the largest support from the Islamic parties, allegedly due to their wives who wear headscarves.

Some may still view the vice presidential candidate Wiranto with suspicion though, particularly due to his shady past as a General (a similar case with Prabowo).

With Jusuf Kalla a top guy in the Golkar party (the richest party in Indonesia) and Wiranto a former Golkar himself, they are sure to have faithful support among Golkar loyalists, who long to have their old glory during Soeharto’s New Order back on the politics (minus the kidnappings and tortures though).