Tournament fiasco could impact Indonesia elections

Significance

This was following domestic pushback against participation by Israel. Ganjar Pranowo, governor of Central Java province and long a favourite with voters to succeed Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo as president at next year’s elections, was among the public figures who railed against the prospect of allowing the Israeli team into Indonesia.

Impacts

• It will be harder in the years ahead for Indonesia to bid for major global sporting and cultural events.
• Jockeying for the presidential election will intensify.
• Ganjar will do his utmost to reach out to voters now criticising him.