Who is Prabowo Subianto, the former general who becomes Indonesia’s new president?
Associated PressOCT 12 2024
Prabowo Subianto, a 73-year-old former military commander, was sworn in as Indonesia's new president on Sunday. He had won the February election with nearly 60% of the vote.
He named 48 ministers and 58 vice-ministers in his cabinet — the country's largest since the 1960s — including his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the outgoing Pres. Joko Widodo's eldest son.
Subianto has promised to continue the popular policies of outgoing President Joko Widodo, including economic development plans and the $30 billion project to build a new capital city called Nusantara.In his inaugural speech, Subianto said his government would prioritize "the interests of all Indonesian people including those who did not vote for us."
Subianto's election represents a continuation of Indonesia's economic progress and modernization. His military background and strong leadership style are necessary to maintain stability and drive further development. The focus on his past human rights record is overblown and distracts from his potential to lead the country forward.
The election of Subianto raises serious concerns about the future of Indonesia's democracy. His ties to the Suharto dictatorship and unresolved human rights issues cast a shadow over his presidency. The lack of concrete plans beyond promising continuity leaves uncertainty about the country's economic and democratic trajectory.