They point to the fact that in choosing a running mate this month for next April's presidential election, Widodo made the surprise selection of the 75-year-old conservative Muslim cleric, Ma'ruf Amin, as his vice presidential candidate.
But it could be that the more significant choice was made by Widodo's opponent and long-term rival Prabowo Subianto, who unexpectedly picked the deputy governor of Jakarta, wealthy businessman Sandiaga Uno, who belongs to his own party.
Subianto, an outspoken economic nationalist, has signaled via his deputy, Fadli Zon, that religion as an issue is finished and that his campaign will focus instead on the economy.
