Jakarta poll result signals twin threats to Indonesia president

Jakarta

THE thumping win by Anies Baswedan in the bitterly fought election for Jakarta governor signals twin threats to Indonesia's President Joko Widodo - from rising Islamism and the renewed clout of Indonesia's old political and business elites.

Dr Anies thanked supporters after taking a decisive lead in the unofficial count on Tuesday afternoon, but not before his political patron, Prabowo Subianto, claimed victory first - thanking the scions of Indonesia's establishment by his side. Dr Anies said: "Our focus is social justice, ending inequality and our commitment is to safeguard diversity and unity."

The conciliatory tone contrasted with the fractious nature of a campaign that challenged Indonesia's religious and…