Islamic Populism and Its Effects on Social Capital and Democracy: Evidence from Indonesian Presidential Elections

This study examines the profound influence of Islamic populism on the 2019 Indonesian presidential election and its influence on the 2024 election. It analyzes how the main candidates, Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto, utilized religious sentiments in their campaign strategies. By the time of 2024 presidential election, it highlights the emerging strategies presidential candidates adopted to attract voters. Successful candidates garnered substantial support from the previous supporters of President Joko Widodo, convincing them to shift their allegiance. By employing a strategy that resonates with the majority and boosts a candidate’s visibility and appeal, candidates increase their likelihood of winning. The study relies on academic literature and election result data to parse regional voting patterns and their implications for Indonesia’s political landscape. Indonesian presidential elections in 2024 demonstrated a discernible shift towards candidates who blend Islamic values with pluralism. The study concludes that aligning with the incumbent president’s network has significant influence on electoral success. This strategy significantly strengthens a candidate’s appeal to voters.