Indonesia: Prabowo Subianto Sworn in as President
Indonesia: Prabowo Subianto Sworn in as President
The Facts
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.
The Spin
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.
