Jokowi Bets Indonesia Legacy on Prabowo Winning Vote Next Week
- Leader hoping Prabowo wins in one election round, sources say
- President’s moves to cling to power have split his loyal base
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President Joko Widodo is making a gamble on his preferred successor winning Indonesia’s election in one round, even as the wager risks dividing his supporters, denting his credibility and curbing the influence he has built in the past decade.
The leader known as Jokowi is betting on Prabowo Subianto winning outright on Feb. 14, as he’s anxious the defense minister could lose if there’s a June run-off poll, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named speaking about private discussions.