As Indonesian Church calls for unity, tensions and charges divide Widodo and Subianto supporters
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesian Christian leaders - both Catholic and Protestant - have become involved in the controversy triggered by the partial results of the presidential elections held on 9 July.
The vote pitted outgoing Jakarta Governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, 53, who is apparently in the lead, against former General Prabowo Subianto, 62, who has claimed victory on several occasions.
The final tally should be available by 22 July, as expectations remain high for the next president in the world's most populous Muslim nation.
The two main rivals, along with their deputies Jusuf Kalla and Hatta Radjasa, called on their supporters at the level of polling stations to monitor carefully vote counting to prevent fraud or tampering.
Local political experts say it is likely - if not certain - that the losing candidate will launch an appeal to the Constitutional Court, the ultimate judge and arbiter in this presidential race.
So far, research institutes have been divided over the possible winner, with a majority giving advantage to the former governor of Jakarta.
Four pollsters close to the Subianto election committee gave the former general the lead. However, eight independent research institutions gave Jokowi the advantage.
After 10 years under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono - a period characterised by corruption, sectarian tensions and social immobility - the country wants substantive change.
For many, Jokowi is a possible alternative, and a leader free from backroom dealing. Conversely, Subianto is considered a man of the establishment, close to lobbies and the Islamist camp, who can count on good support base.
Meanwhile, the first possible cases of fraud are emerging. This could prove decisive for the final outcome. For now, it is causing tension between the two sides, which are already trading accusations of fraud and vote tampering.
One case involves Tangerang Regency, where Subianto apparently won in one electoral precinct thanks to a backhanded move after the vote. In fact, instead of getting just '014' votes, as indicated by the first count, an "anonymous" hand brought the final tally after the election to '814'.
People at the Jokowi-Kalla committee are asking, "What happened?" urging the agency responsible for checking the vote to intervene.
In a context of tensions, announcements of victory and mutual exchange of accusations between the two sides, Indonesia's Churches made a statement in an official letter signed by the its Bishops. Catholic Bishops' Conference (KWI) president Ignatius Suharyo, the current archbishop of Jakarta, and (Protestant) Council of Churches (PGI) president, Rev Andreas Yewangoe, were the first to sign the letter.
Catholic and Protestant leaders are concerned about a possible escalation of tensions and the potential for conflict among the people. For this reason, they issued a joint appeal, urging the public to "stay calm" and not be caught up in any "euphoria" over "victory" and "street celebrations".
At present, the Christian leaders note that "there is no winning candidate" and it is not yet time for celebration. Indonesians must wait for "the official results of the Electoral Commission".
At the same time, they call on "fellow Christians and Catholics" on both sides not to fall to provocations or become responsible for violence.
Bishops and pastors call on the community to "preserve the values of love and democracy", and avoid trading them for political or personal gain.
Finally, they renew their appeal against vote tampering and fraud at polling stations so that the next president and his deputy may really be the result of the will expressed by the people.
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