Indonesia’s World Cup blunder has not only dented its international reputation but tarnished the electability of the country’s moderate presidential frontrunner, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, whose refusal to host the Israeli football team has handed a political advantage to more hardline rivals.
As the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) tallies the cost of its disastrous political miscalculation, analysts have warned the issue could be a “sliding doors” moment that sways vote banks in next February’s presidential elections.
Mr Ganjar, the white-haired son of a policeman and the PDIP’s presumptive presidential nominee, was considered the man to beat in a three-cornered contest with his most likely rivals; former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto.
But anger over his role in FIFA’s decision late last month to strip Indonesia of its right to host the Under-20 Football World Cup in May and June has cast a shadow over both the PDIP and Mr Ganjar, with a new survey by one of the country’s most respected pollsters suggesting both acted out of step with supporters.
The Indikator poll conducted days before Indonesia lost the FIFA event found a majority of respondents did not object to Israel’s participation.
Indikator executive director Burhanuddin Muhtadi told The Weekend Australian support for Israel’s participation was as high as 59 per cent before FIFA’s decision, and likely higher now because people were “angry with the events that led to the cancellation”.
Read the article by Amanda Hodge in The Australian.