Why the results of Indonesia's regional elections matter

Those elected can be potential national leaders, influence roll-out of programmes

- Hariz Baharudin

Indonesia will hold regional elections on Nov 27, in which its 203 million registered voters will choose more than 500 local leaders.

Campaigning has been going on since September. These polls follow the presidential and legislative elections held on Feb 14, where President Prabowo Subianto and Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka secured more than 58 per cent of the vote.

While largely seen as focusing on local issues, regional elections are significant because those elected are not just potential national leaders, but they can also influence how effectively the Prabowo administration's programmes are delivered on the ground.

The Straits Times takes a closer look.

WHAT ARE REGIONAL ELECTIONS?

Indonesia's regional elections, known as Pemilihan Kepala Daerah (Pilkada), are held every five years to elect local executive leaders.

In the 2024 edition, 545 positions are being contested, comprising posts for 37 governors, 93 mayors, and 415 regents. Voting starts at 7am and will close at 1pm. Official results will be announced between Nov 27 and Dec 16.

These elections are seen as vital to Indonesia's decentralised political system, as they allow the local population to directly choose leaders who manage their region's governance.

These leaders have the authority to make key decisions such as determining regional development and budgeting, rolling out public services, and deciding local regulations like zoning laws.