Copyright: EPA
Many had said it was Joko Widodo’s “man of the people” image that helped score his first presidential victory in July 2014.
The former furniture salesman was Indonesia’s first leader from outside the political and military elite. His decisive win was propelled by people’s frustrations with corruption and nepotism in the country’s young democracy, which is also the world’s third largest.
Under the 62-year-old, Indonesia’s GDP grew by a cumulative 43% since he entered office. Even as Jokowi is about to step down, he remains hugely popular, enjoying consistently high approval ratings of more than 70%.
But the legacy he is leaving behind has been somewhat marred by a perceived attempt to build a political dynasty through his eldest son. Gibran Rakabuming Raka is the running mate of presidential frontrunner and Jokowi’s one-time political rival Prabowo Subianto.
Critics have also accused Jokowi of weakening Indonesia’s democracy through his other political decisions, including reviving the death penalty and bringing in ex-generals and religious conservatives into his cabinet.
Here’s more on the outgoing president’s tainted legacy.