Former Indonesian general linked to human rights abuses claims victory in presidential election

By NINIEK KARMINI and EDNA TARIGAN
Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A former general linked to past human rights abuses has claimed victory in Indonesia’s presidential election. The result would raise questions about the commitment to democratic values in the sprawling island nation that is the world’s third-largest democracy. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto presented himself as an heir to immensely popular sitting President Joko Widodo, whose son was his running mate. He told thousands of supporters in the capital, Jakarta, that his victory was “the victory of all Indonesians.” Subianto cited unofficial results, and the two former provincial governors running against him did not concede defeat. The official count of votes in Wednesday’s presidential, legislative and local elections on the vast archipelago will take about a month.