Dayat, Jakarta – The Jakarta Election Oversight Body (Bawaslu) announced on Sunday that heckling gubernatorial candidates or obstructing their campaigns could lead to criminal prosecution.

The campaign period is set to run from Wednesday until four days before the election, which will be held on November 27.

Bawaslu has identified certain areas in North and East Jakarta where specific candidates may face public resistance during their campaign activities.

"Potential disruptions during the campaign include blocking candidates' paths and hurling insults, as well as racial or sectarian hate speech," said Burhanudin, the coordinator of Jakarta's Bawaslu.

"Parts of North and East Jakarta are seen as particularly vulnerable to such disruptions during the campaign. We remind the public that candidates have the right to campaign, and any deliberate interference could result in criminal sanctions under election law," he added.

Earlier this month, leading candidate Ridwan Kamil was turned away by residents during a visit to a native Betawi community.

Ridwan Kamil and his running mate Suswono are supported by the majority of the country's major political parties. Their main challengers are the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) candidates Pramono Anung and his running mate, Rano Karno.

The third candidate, Dharma Pongrekun, is contesting the election as an independent.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-residents-warned-against-heckling-gubernatorial-candidate