KOROIT is a far cry from the complex society of Indonesia, where 180 million voters took part in presidential election results, but for Alex and Sylvia Hubbarat there’s still the same tense wait.
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After casting their votes by mail they are anxiously watching an election outcome which will help shape the future of the world’s fourth most populous nation.
Sample counts by polling companies put Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in front of former military general Prabowo Subianto.
“I’m watching it now on the internet news, but there’s confusion,” Mr Hubbarat told The Standard yesterday.
“There’s a mood for change among the people.
“For a long time we’ve had leaders with a military government, now there’s a choice with Jokowi who is a man of the people.
“He started from scratch and was one of the best mayors in Indonesia.
“The people see him as very down to earth and doesn’t just sit in an office.
“He lives like an ordinary person and walks to work without a bodyguard.”
The official result is expected to be declared by the end of the month.
Mr Hubbarat works in Koroit as a chef and has settled in the town with his wife. The couple still has close ties with family and friends in their homeland.