SBY warns of escalating tension as Indonesia counts votes

GENERAL ELECTION 2019 - JAKARTA. Democratic Party chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on his party officials to closely monitor any possible unrest following the election, amid plans by presidential contender Prabowo Subianto to hold mass prayers on Friday.

In a statement to party leaders, SBY said in light of the post-election political tension, which might possibly harm "our politics and safety", party officials should continuously and closely monitor the situation.

He also suggested that party officials and members not involve themselves in activities "that conflict contravene the Constitution and laws", as well as those not in line with his stance as party chairman.

Should the political tension lead to any conflict or crisis, SBY wrote, party officials must inform him as soon as possible.

SBY's statement came following a plan by Prabowo's campaign team to hold mass prayers in celebration of his claimed victory.

Prabowo declared victory over the incumbent Joko "Jokowi" Widodo for the second time on Thursday evening, although various quick-count results show that the Jokowi-Ma'ruf Amin ticket is leading by between 54 and 55 percent, with Prabowo-Sandiaga Uno trailing at 44 and 45 percent.

Democratic Party secretary-general Hinca Pandjaitan could be seen standing near Prabowo during his second victory declaration, although he did not comment.

Previously, the 212 Rally Alumni organization, which has backed the Prabowo-Sandiaga ticket, called on its supporters on Wednesday to gather at Istiqlal Mosque and the National Monument (Monas) after Friday prayers in celebration of the pair's victory after a peaceful election.

However, Prabowo-Sandiaga campaign team deputy chairman Slamet Maarif announced on Thursday evening that the mass prayers would be relocated to mosques near Prabowo's residential area in South Jakarta on Friday, in respect of Christians who planned to attend Good Friday services in the area.

Despite the announcement of early counts and the candidate’s victory claims, the General Elections Commission, along with election officials nationwide, are still counting and reporting voting results from all parts of the country.