TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) claims that abstention in the upcoming Indonesia general election will prove to be more harmful to Prabowo Subianto rather than to incumbent Jokowi.

CSIS’ report is a contrast to the poll done by pollster Indonesian Survey Circle (LSI) Denny JA that stated otherwise.

“Based on the voters’ perseverance, the incumbent does not need to worry about the loss of votes caused by abstention. The one that needs to be worried is contender Prabowo since his electability is lower compared to the incumbent,” said CSIS researcher Arya Fernandez in presenting its report at Fairmosaat Hotel Jakarta today, March 28.

Based on the CSIS study with 51.4 percent base voters, Jokowi-Ma’ruf Amin’s voters’ perseverance is 84.4 percent. Meanwhile, Prabowo Subianto – Sandiaga Uno is at 33.3 percent with voters perseverance of 81.3 percent.

In other words, said Arya, the number of abstainers will not significantly change the votes received by either presidential candidates.

“In this case, the problem lies in who’s supporters is the most militant, solidified, and works hard to urge people to go to voting locations,” said Arya Fernandez.

DEWI NURITA