Independent

Who is Prabowo Subianto? Former general set to become Indonesia’s new president

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.

Reuters

Al Jazeera

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.

BBC News

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 also promised to continue the popular policies of the outgoing Pres. Joko Widodo, including economic development plans and the $30B project to build a new capital city called Nusantara.

Additionally, he said he will "stand against all colonialism and we will defend the interests of oppressed people worldwide."

The Diplomat

Human rights groups have accused Subianto of involvement in human rights abuses in East Timor during the 1980s and 1990s, allegations which he has denied.

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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.

The president-elect has ties to both Widodo and Indonesia's dictatorial past, having served as a lieutenant general during the Suharto regime and later marrying Suharto's daughter.

Subianto was dishonorably discharged from the military in 1998 following allegations of human rights abuses, including the kidnapping and torture of political opponents.

Despite his controversial past, Subianto has gained support from some former democracy activists and has vowed to defend the people and the nation, even at the cost of his life.

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.

Who is Prabowo Subianto, the former general who becomes Indonesia’s new president?

Ex-General with Controversial Past to Lead Indonesia

Indonesia

Politics

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.

Dw.Com

What does Subianto's 2024 election win mean for Indonesia? – DW – 02

Guardian

‘Winter is coming’: activists’ fears as Prabowo Subianto likely wins Indonesia election

There's a 27% chance that any political party in Indonesia that wasn't represented in the 2024-2029 House of Representatives (DPR) will get any seats in the 2029 election, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Indonesia: Prabowo Subianto Sworn in as President

Ex-GeneralIndonesia: withPrabowo ControversialSubianto PastSworn toin Leadas IndonesiaPresident

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

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