Jakarta [Indonesia], November 29: Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy and the most populous Muslim-majority nation, kicked off its 2024 presidential campaign on Tuesday, with three candidates vying to lead the South-East Asian archipelago.
The incumbent president, Joko Widodo, is barred by the constitution from seeking a third term. His successor will face the challenges of reviving the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling corruption, and balancing relations with China and the United States.
The three contenders for the February 14 election are former army general PrabowoSubianto, former governor of Central Java GanjarPranowo and ex Jakarta governor AniesBaswedan.
Subianto, 72, is making his third bid for the presidency, after losing to Widodo in 2014 and 2019. The leader of the Great Indonesia Movement Party is running with Gibran Rakabuming, 36, the eldest son of Widodo and the mayor of Solo, a city in Central Java where Widodo began his political career.
Pranowo, 55, is a senior member of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. Baswedan, 54, is the former governor of Jakarta and a former education minister. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune