Indonesia's civil society groups launch movement for fair polls

Social activists urge people to report election fraud amid poll-rigging concerns

- Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja

Several Indonesian civil society groups have launched a non-partisan movement to ensure that the February 2024 presidential and legislative elections are conducted fairly, amid growing concerns of electoral fraud as campaigning gathers steam.

Jaga Pemilu (Guard the Election) was launched on Nov 21 in Jakarta by prominent and widely-respected social activists, including poet and essayist Goenawan Mohamad and anti-corruption champion Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas. It was attended by scores of human rights campaigners and university lecturers.

At the event, Mr Erry stressed that the people behind the Jaga Pemilu movement are independent and not members of any political party. 

“What we will do is to guard the election process and protect it from any manipulation or deviation from the existing regulations,” he said.

He urged people to report or send photo or video evidence of election fraud to Jaga Pemilu’s digital platform.  

This comes after recent reports of police officers taking down posters of presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo across several towns and, in separate incidents, putting up posters of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI).

PSI, helmed by President Joko Widodo’s younger son Kaesang Pangarep, backs presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, who is Indonesia’s current Defence Minister.

Mr Ganjar, 55, is the staunchest rival of Mr Prabowo, 72, who has teamed up with Mr Widodo’s elder son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, as his vice-president candidate.