Jakarta. The Indonesian government could save up to Rp 17 trillion or approximately $1.1 billion if the upcoming presidential election has a winner without a runoff, according to an analyst.

Indonesia will hold the election on February 14, with hundreds of millions of voters choosing whether Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar Pranowo, and Anies Baswedan will be the next president. However, the election may go to a runoff if no candidate earns over 50 percent of the popular votes.

According to politics expert Ujang Komarudin, a one-round election can give economic benefits, be it saving government expenditure or boosting investors’ confidence.

“It’d be better to have one round of election. The government can save Rp 17 trillion in the money initially allocated for the General Election Commission or KPU,” Ujang told Beritasatu on Friday.

According to Ujang, a one-round election can also save Rp 10 trillion in other budgets meant for security, among others. The money could also go to other development programs. Ujang added that it could also make it easier for businesses to adapt to the transition of power.

Even so, it is all up to the people to decide. Despite its economic benefits, the government or the candidates have no right to force a one-round election. 

Ujang claimed there could be a chance for Prabowo -- and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming -- to win the election in just one round. However, this calls for massive support from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“A one-round election is tough, but it is still possible. A one-round election if Jokowi gives his all to support candidate number two [Prabowo],” Ujang said.

The upcoming debate, which will center on geopolitics and international relations, provides a chance for Prabowo and Gibran to win the undecided voters’ hearts, according to Ujang.

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