How is Jokowi perceived to be retaining influence after his term?

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Jokowi's Perceived Influence Post-Presidency

President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, is perceived to be attempting to retain influence beyond his second term, which concludes in February 2024. This perception is largely fueled by actions and decisions that appear to consolidate power within his family and allies, raising concerns about the integrity of democratic processes. Specifically, the Constitutional Court, which is headed by Jokowi's brother-in-law, made a significant adjustment to election eligibility criteria in October. This revision allowed the president's son to contest the vice presidency, running on the ticket of Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto.
Constitutional Court's Role in Eligibility Changes

The Constitutional Court's decision to alter election eligibility rules in October is central to the perception of Jokowi seeking to maintain influence. The court, under the leadership of Anwar Usman, who is Jokowi's brother-in-law, modified the age requirements for candidates. This change directly enabled Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi's son, to become eligible to run for vice president. The timing and nature of this ruling have drawn considerable scrutiny and fuelled allegations of bias and political maneuvering.
Fears of Nepotism and Patronage Politics

The eligibility tweak for Jokowi's son has reignited fears of a return to nepotism and patronage politics in Indonesia. Such practices were characteristic of the authoritarian New Order regime under former president Suharto, whose decades-long rule was marked by cronyism and the concentration of power within a select elite. Prabowo Subianto, the presidential candidate on whose ticket Gibran is running, is himself a former son-in-law of Suharto, adding another layer of historical resonance to these concerns.
Jokowi's Shifting Allegiances

Initially, as a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Jokowi appeared to support Ganjar Pranowo, the party's endorsed presidential candidate. However, his implicit backing has since shifted towards Prabowo Subianto. This perceived endorsement of Prabowo, a figure with a controversial past as a military general during the Suharto era, is interpreted by some as a strategic move to ensure his influence continues through an allied administration. This shift has led to criticisms from opponents who allege a departure from neutrality in the electoral process.

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How is Jokowi perceived to be retaining influence after his term?

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