'We Want Regional Elections to Be Safe,' Says Defense Minister
Jakarta. Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has expressed his hope that the simultaneous regional elections on Wednesday (15/02) will run safely and smoothly, and will meet the citizens' expectations.
"We want the regional elections to be safe," Ryamizard said in Jakarta on Monday.
The minister added that all stakeholders should cooperate to maintain the stability of Indonesia.
He said that the National Police and Indonesian Military (TNI) have mapped the conflict-prone areas in 101 regions across the country, where the elections will take place.
Seven provinces, including Jakarta, will choose their governors, 18 cities will choose their mayors and 76 districts will elect district heads.
In Jakarta, the competition for the gubernatorial post has lately turned into one of the most divisive political battles in Indoensia's post-authoritarian era.
The race to lead the city of more than 10 million sees three powerful candidates, whose rivalry has triggered mass protests and stirred religious tensions in the world's largest Muslim-majority country.
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