Indonesia Elections: Religion at the forefront of this year's vote

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02:17

Voters in Indonesia will head to the polls on April the 17th, hoping for leaders who can bring out the country's full potential. President Joko Widodo and his rival Prabowo Subianto, two polarizing candidates are going head to head for the second time. Experts say religion is playing a big role this year in one of the world's largest Muslim-populated nations. CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia reports from Jakarta.

In one of Indonesia's most important elections, President Joko Widodo is seeking re-election for a second term against rival Prabowo Subianto. Widodo has always been known as the people's president, widely popular for his casual and down-to-earth persona.

On the other hand, Prabowo, with his authoritarian regime, has quickly garnered support from young people this time around. His choice of Vice President, businessman Sandiaga Uno is likely to be more attractive to the millennial voters.

TITI ANGGRAINI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PERLUDEM, ASSOCIATION FOR ELECTION AND DEMOCRACY "This year's presidential elections is one of the most complex. It is held on the same day as the legislative elections. Prabowo and Sandi's approach is different this time around. Their party is not considered a religious party but as we have seen, most of their supporters tend to come from strong Islamist backgrounds."

Experts believe religion and economy will take centre stage in this year's elections.

SILKINA AHLUWALIA JAKARTA "Religion has always played an important political role in Indonesia. Widodo's decision to pick a Muslim cleric as his running mate has many believing the move was intended to garner support from conservative religious groups."

Identity politics could be one of the key factors in Widodo's election success. Voters in Indonesia, one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, expect leaders with strong Islamic values.

DR. KOMARUDDIN HIDAYAT MUSLIM SCHOLAR "What we need to be cautious about are external factors that are beginning to affect this election, especially in relation to radicalism and extremism."

Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Jakarta.