Introduction

On 14 February, Indonesia will host the world’s largest single-day election, featuring the election of a President, Vice President, and nearly 20,000 lawmakers at the national, provincial, and regency level, and a regional senator to advise the national parliament. While the Incumbent President, Joko Widodo, maintains considerable popularity, constitutional limitations prevent him from pursuing a third term. The impending election features three candidates competing for leadership, with a requirement for any candidate to secure over 50 percent of total votes cast, and at least 20 percent of votes in more than half of the country’s provinces to gain the Presidency. If no one gains a majority, a Run-off Presidential Election will be held on 26 June between the two candidates with the most votes.

With approximately 204 million enrolled voters, Indonesia ranks as the world’s third-largest democracy. Considering the scale of elections, elaborate security arrangements have been initiated with the national police conducting three operations: Mantap Brata, NCS Polri, and Contingency Operation, with a focus on preventive measures to maintain peace amidst potential disturbances, including terrorism or social conflict, with a humanist approach. Additionally, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has declared a national holiday on the polling day, 14 February to enable citizens to vote in the general election. Students on 12 February held protest against the alleged poll interference by the outgoing President Joko Widodo favouring candidate Prabowo Subianto. It is therefore imperative for businesses operating in the region to stay informed about security contingencies impacting supply chain operations, transportation logistics, employee safety and communication networks.

Important Information – At a Glance

Voting Date: 14 February

Voting Time: Six-hour window for voting across Indonesia’s three time zones from 0700-1300 hours.

No Campaign Period: 11-13 February

Results: KPU, the national poll body, announces results at least 35 days after the election.

Areas Where Voting Has Been Postponed: The Election Commission has postponed voting in 10 villages in the Karanganyar district in Central Java due to flooding.

Weather Updates: Rainfall is predicted. Refer to Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Council (BMKG) for weather updates.

Front Runners

Candidate Name	Political Party	Former Positions	Mandates	Weaknesses
Prabowo Subianto	Gerindra Party	Former military general and incumbent Defence Minister.	Promised continuity of Jokowi’s development plans.	Alleged involvement in the kidnapping and torture of pro-democracy activists in the late 1990s, and of rights abuses in Papua and East Timor.
Anies Baswedan	Endorsed by the National Democratic Party, National Awakening Party (PKB), and the conservative Prosperous Justice Party (PKS)	Former academic and Jakarta’s governor.	Only candidate to not pledge for moving the capital city from Jakarta to Borneo and advocates for better investment strategies.	Accused of courting hardline Islamic groups, impacting identity politics.
Ganjar Pranowo	Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)	Retired public servant and former governor of Central Java.	Advocated for populist programs like waste management, ID Card for the disabled, free internet for students, better education and medical facilities, etc.	Faced controversy while serving as the provincial governor, including over a mine development in Central Java.

Voter Eligibility Criteria

• Must be Indonesian citizens.
• Must be over 17 years of age and not be a member of the military or police.
• Eligible voters must be registered on the General Election Commission’s (KPU) electoral roll.
• Eligible voters must check their status and assigned polling station via https://www.kpu.go.id/ using their National ID or passport number. Unregistered eligible voters should visit the nearest KPU office.
• Prior to the ballot day, voters receive a Letter of Notification indicating their polling station location and a suggested voting time between 0700-1300 hours.
• Voters must present the Letter of Notification and their ID card/passport at the polling station for identity verification. After verification, they complete the attendance form and proceed to vote in the booth.

Concerns

• Civil disturbance – In 2019, rioting over the election outcome led to eight deaths and several injuries. Similar outbreak of clashes cannot be ruled out.
• Cyber security and youth safety – Majority of the voters fall between 17-40 years, hence social media has become the dominant space for holding campaigns and political deliberations, thus, escalating risk of the circulation of misinformation, disinformation, and overall cyber security breaches.
• Lack of confidence in the justice system – Questions regarding the neutrality and credibility of the Constitutional Court that looks into electoral disputes have been raised. Therefore, unsatisfactory outcome may lead to protest against the legal establishment of the country.
• Political concerns – Voters are also concerned about dynasty building as incumbent President Jokowi’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka is running for the Vice President position.

Security Arrangements:

• For Implementation of Operation Mantap Brata (security operation to facilitate national elections 2023-2024), about 434,197 police personnel, including 25,000 Brimob (Mobile Brigade) personnel and Sabhara (Public Order) police stations have been deployed nationwide.
• The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Police deployed 7,629 security personnel in collaboration with the Indonesian Military to secure the 16,244 polling stations in NTB and the nearby ballot boxes.
• Papua Regional Police deployed 8,617 personnel across high-risk zones, with 13 districts classified as high-risk and several others as highly vulnerable. Nduga, Yahukimo, Puncak, Intan Jaya, and Bintang Mountains districts are identified as highly vulnerable areas.
• Indonesia’s Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) established a task force and CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team) with KPU (General Elections Commission) to ensure cybersecurity.
• Road closures are in effect on Jalan Imam Bonjol in front of the KPU building to ensure security and law and order.

Recommendations

Organizations:

• Given that 14 February is declared a holiday, it is advised to not schedule any important meeting or task on that day.
• Since security becomes a concern during elections, it is advised to offer transportation facilities to employees (especially, female employees) a few days after the polls.
• Unscheduled blackouts or power outages cannot be ruled out, advised to arrange for adequate backups.
• The threat of cybersecurity risks runs high during elections period, therefore, run a thorough check of all systems and update all software.
• Considering the extensive security arrangements, supply chain disruptions cannot be ruled out. Advised to plan for delays while confirming or placing orders.
• Ensure all doors and windows are secured at the end of each business day in order to minimise the impact of any sudden outbreak of violence or act of vandalism.
• If operating near a polling booth, have an emergency exit plan in place. Ensure that exits are clear and visibly marked for all and undertake simulations involving all employees.
• It is also recommended to arrange for a strict entry-exit policy into the office premises for the week succeeding the election day.
• It is also advised to run a security check of all the physical facilities, flammable items, CCTVs, electronic appliances, and conduct fire safety audits.
• Organisations should encourage employees to take the time to verify the authenticity of calls, emails, and text messages before communicating sensitive information.

Individuals:

• Advised to remain vigilant of your surroundings and inform the local authorities in case any suspicious object or activity is located.
• Advised to not spread or react to rumours. Rely on official or credible sources of information.
• Elaborate security checks at airports may lead to congestion and operational delays. Commuters are advised to reach airports well in advance (three hours in advance for inbound flights and four hours for international flights).
• Given that authorities tend to strengthen security checks during elections, it is advised to carry proper identity proofs when stepping outside. If availing private or personal vehicles, carry essential vehicle documents as well.
• Advised to avoid making sensitive comments both in public discussion and social media platforms during elections.
• Advised to carry a portable charger when going out and ensure that cellular phones are adequately charged and have enough balance for making calls.
• Keep emergency numbers handy, on speed-dial as well as in writing.
• Ensure that personal vehicles are serviced and have adequate fuel.
• MitKat advises to steer clear of protest sites and remain vigilant of situational updates.

Important Contacts and Source Links

• Police: 110 or 112
• Fire services: 113
• Ambulance and rescue services: 118 or 119
• Medical emergencies: 119
• Toll road operator Jasa Marga: 14080
• Electricity firm PLN: 123
• Health Crisis Center: 0812 – 1212 – 319
• Report fraudulent activities during voting process – Click Here or file a written report to the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu).

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