DKI Jakarta Election 2017: Round 2 Results & Analysis

The 2017 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election was a highly significant event in Indonesian politics. This election was particularly notable due to the intense competition and the wide range of issues debated, capturing national attention. The election ultimately required two rounds of voting, with the second round pitting the incumbent Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) and his running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat against Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno. This article dives deep into the details of the second round of the 2017 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election, offering a comprehensive look at the key events, the results, and the profound implications of this pivotal moment in Indonesian history.

Background to the Election

Before we dive into the specifics of the second round, it's crucial to understand the backdrop against which the 2017 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election took place. Jakarta, as the capital city of Indonesia, holds immense political and economic significance. The city's governor wields considerable power and influence, making the election a high-stakes affair with national ramifications. The political climate leading up to the election was fraught with tension. Ahok's incumbency was marked by both significant achievements and considerable controversy. His administration was credited with improving public services, infrastructure, and bureaucratic efficiency. However, his no-nonsense approach and his ethnicity and religion made him a target for various political and social groups. Religious and ethnic sentiments played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the dynamics of the election. Various groups actively campaigned against Ahok, often using divisive rhetoric. These sentiments were further inflamed by allegations of blasphemy, which led to mass protests and legal proceedings against Ahok. The first round of the election featured three tickets: Ahok-Djarot, Anies-Sandiaga, and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono-Sylviana Murni. None of the tickets managed to secure a majority of the votes, necessitating a second round between the top two contenders: Ahok-Djarot and Anies-Sandiaga. This set the stage for an intense and closely contested runoff election. Understanding this background is essential for grasping the full significance of the events that unfolded in the second round.

Key Candidates

The second round of the 2017 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election featured two prominent tickets, each presenting a distinct vision for the future of Jakarta. Let's take a closer look at the key candidates and their platforms:

• Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) and Djarot Saiful Hidayat: Ahok, the incumbent governor, was known for his blunt and assertive leadership style. He had a track record of implementing significant reforms in Jakarta, focusing on improving public services, infrastructure development, and bureaucratic efficiency. His administration had made strides in tackling issues such as traffic congestion, flooding, and waste management. Djarot Saiful Hidayat, his running mate, brought considerable experience in local governance, having served as the mayor of Blitar. Together, they presented a platform of continuity and further improvement of existing policies. Their key promises included continuing infrastructure projects, enhancing public transportation, and promoting transparency and good governance. They emphasized their commitment to serving all residents of Jakarta, regardless of their background. However, Ahok's controversial remarks on religion became a major point of contention, significantly impacting his electability. Despite his efforts to clarify his statements, the issue continued to be exploited by his opponents, who used it to rally support against him. His trial for blasphemy further complicated his campaign, casting a shadow over his candidacy.
• Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno: Anies Baswedan, a former Minister of Education and Culture, presented himself as a fresh alternative to the incumbent. He emphasized the importance of inclusive development, social justice, and cultural preservation. His running mate, Sandiaga Uno, a successful businessman, brought a wealth of experience in the private sector. Their platform centered on addressing social and economic inequalities in Jakarta, promoting entrepreneurship, and improving the quality of education and healthcare. They promised to create more job opportunities, provide affordable housing, and improve the environment. They also emphasized the importance of engaging with all segments of society, including marginalized communities. Anies Baswedan's campaign capitalized on the religious and ethnic sentiments that had been simmering in Jakarta. He subtly appealed to conservative voters, aligning himself with religious leaders and organizations. His campaign portrayed Ahok as an outsider who did not understand the values and traditions of Jakarta's residents. This strategy proved to be highly effective in mobilizing support, particularly among Muslim voters. By focusing on issues such as social justice, economic equality, and cultural preservation, Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno presented a compelling vision for Jakarta that resonated with many voters. Their ability to tap into the underlying sentiments and concerns of the population played a crucial role in their eventual victory.

Campaign Strategies and Key Issues

The second round of the 2017 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election witnessed intense campaigning from both tickets, with each employing distinct strategies to sway voters. The key issues debated during the campaign reflected the diverse challenges facing Jakarta and the different visions for addressing them.

Ahok-Djarot focused on highlighting their track record of accomplishments in improving Jakarta's infrastructure and public services. They emphasized their experience and competence in managing the city, pointing to tangible improvements such as reduced traffic congestion, better waste management, and more efficient government services. Their campaign slogan, "Jakarta Maju" (Jakarta Advances), aimed to convey a sense of progress and development under their leadership. They also sought to counter the negative narratives surrounding Ahok's blasphemy allegations by showcasing his commitment to serving all residents of Jakarta, regardless of their background. They organized rallies and events to demonstrate their support from diverse communities, emphasizing their message of inclusivity and tolerance. However, their efforts were often overshadowed by the persistent controversy surrounding Ahok's remarks, which continued to be exploited by their opponents. Anies-Sandiaga, on the other hand, adopted a strategy of appealing to voters who felt marginalized or left behind by Jakarta's rapid development. They focused on issues such as social justice, economic equality, and cultural preservation. Their campaign slogan, "Jakarta untuk Semua" (Jakarta for All), aimed to convey a sense of inclusivity and fairness. They promised to address the widening gap between the rich and the poor, provide affordable housing, and create more job opportunities for marginalized communities. They also emphasized the importance of preserving Jakarta's cultural heritage and promoting its unique identity. Their campaign effectively tapped into the underlying sentiments of discontent and resentment among certain segments of the population, particularly those who felt excluded from the benefits of Jakarta's economic growth. Religious and ethnic identity played a significant role in shaping the campaign. Anies-Sandiaga subtly appealed to conservative Muslim voters, aligning themselves with religious leaders and organizations. They used coded language and symbols to signal their support for Islamic values and traditions, without explicitly engaging in divisive rhetoric. This strategy proved to be highly effective in mobilizing support among Muslim voters, who felt alienated by Ahok's perceived secularism. The issue of Ahok's blasphemy allegations continued to dominate the campaign, with Anies-Sandiaga subtly exploiting the controversy to their advantage. They avoided directly attacking Ahok on religious grounds, but they also refrained from defending him, allowing the issue to fester and erode his support base. This strategy allowed them to capitalize on the widespread resentment towards Ahok among conservative Muslim voters, without appearing to be overtly sectarian.

Election Results

The second round of the 2017 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election took place on April 19, 2017. The election was closely monitored by both domestic and international observers, with concerns about potential irregularities and voter intimidation. The results of the election revealed a clear victory for Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno, who secured approximately 57.96% of the votes, compared to Ahok-Djarot's 42.04%. The voter turnout was relatively high, indicating strong public interest in the election. The results were met with mixed reactions. Supporters of Anies-Sandiaga celebrated their victory, hailing it as a triumph for democracy and a rejection of Ahok's divisive leadership style. They expressed hope that the new administration would bring positive change to Jakarta, addressing issues such as social inequality, economic disparity, and cultural preservation. Supporters of Ahok-Djarot, on the other hand, were deeply disappointed by the outcome. They expressed concerns about the future of Jakarta under the new administration, fearing that it would reverse the progress made under Ahok's leadership. They also raised concerns about the role of religious and ethnic identity in shaping the election results, arguing that Ahok had been unfairly targeted due to his ethnicity and religion. The official results were certified by the General Elections Commission (KPU) of DKI Jakarta, confirming Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno as the winners of the election. However, the election results were challenged by Ahok-Djarot's legal team, who filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court, alleging widespread irregularities and voter fraud. The Constitutional Court ultimately rejected the lawsuit, upholding the validity of the election results. With the legal challenges exhausted, Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno were officially inaugurated as the Governor and Vice Governor of DKI Jakarta in October 2017. Their victory marked a significant turning point in Jakarta's political landscape, ushering in a new era of leadership and policy direction. The 2017 election results reflected a shift in the political dynamics of Jakarta, highlighting the growing influence of conservative Islamic groups and the increasing importance of identity politics. The election also served as a reminder of the challenges facing Indonesia in maintaining its pluralistic and tolerant society.

Implications and Analysis

The 2017 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election had far-reaching implications for Indonesian politics and society. The election exposed deep divisions within the country, particularly along religious and ethnic lines. The campaign was marked by the exploitation of identity politics, with certain groups using divisive rhetoric to mobilize support. The election also highlighted the challenges facing Indonesia in maintaining its pluralistic and tolerant society. The victory of Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno was widely interpreted as a sign of the growing influence of conservative Islamic groups in Indonesian politics. Their campaign effectively tapped into the sentiments of discontent and resentment among certain segments of the population, particularly those who felt marginalized or excluded from the benefits of Jakarta's economic growth. Their victory emboldened other conservative groups to become more assertive in their demands and to push for greater influence in government and society. The election also had a significant impact on the political careers of the key candidates. Ahok's defeat marked a major setback for his political ambitions. He was subsequently convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to two years in prison, effectively ending his career in public service. Anies Baswedan, on the other hand, emerged as a rising star in Indonesian politics. His victory in the Jakarta gubernatorial election catapulted him to national prominence, positioning him as a potential contender for the presidency in future elections. Sandiaga Uno also benefited from the election, using his position as Vice Governor to enhance his profile and expand his business interests. The 2017 DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of identity politics and the importance of promoting tolerance and inclusivity in a diverse society. The election exposed deep divisions within Indonesia and highlighted the challenges facing the country in maintaining its pluralistic and tolerant society. The results of the election should serve as a wake-up call for all Indonesians to work together to bridge the divides and to build a more just and equitable society for all. Looking back, the 2017 Pilkada DKI Jakarta remains a critical case study in Indonesian politics, showcasing the complex interplay of local issues, national dynamics, and the potent force of identity in shaping electoral outcomes. It underscores the importance of understanding the socio-political context when analyzing Indonesian elections and the need for vigilance against divisive rhetoric that can undermine the nation's unity and diversity.