JAKARTA, Oct 20 Former military general Prabowo Subianto was officially sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president today, vowing to elevate the country’s standing on the global stage. At 73 years old, the fiery nationalist, whose military career is marred by accusations of human rights abuses, took the oath of office in a ceremony at the Indonesian parliament, succeeding outgoing leader Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi.
“I swear that I will fulfil the duties of the president of the Republic of Indonesia as best as possible and as fair as possible,” Prabowo declared during the ceremony, attended by lawmakers and international dignitaries.
Prabowo, a proponent of Indonesia’s traditional non-aligned foreign policy, has hinted at a more assertive approach in international affairs. His foreign policy moves have already shown boldness, as his first official visit after winning the election eight months ago was to China. Since then, he has visited several countries, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, where he signed a crucial security agreement. This reflects Prabowo’s vision of expanding Indonesia’s influence beyond Southeast Asia.
In addition to the country’s foreign policy, Prabowo will inherit Southeast Asia’s largest economy and oversee Indonesia’s rich natural resources, including the world’s largest nickel reserves. With a population of 280 million, half of whom are under the age of 30, Indonesia faces both significant opportunities and challenges as Prabowo takes office. The country’s youthful population could drive growth, but economic stability and job creation will be key priorities.
Prabowo’s presidential campaign was bolstered by several factors, including the overwhelming support of his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 37-year-old son of outgoing president Jokowi. Together, they captured a landslide victory in the first round of the February election. Their campaign promises, including a bold $28 billion free meal program for children, resonated strongly with voters.
Dressed in traditional attire, Prabowo delivered a fiery speech to the gathered lawmakers, who responded with applause and chants of his name. He assured the nation that his administration would govern for all Indonesians, including those who did not vote for him. “We will lead the Indonesian government by prioritizing the interests of all Indonesian people, including those who did not vote for us,” he said.
He emphasized his commitment to maintaining a peaceful democracy and adhering to a “good neighbor” policy with other nations. Prabowo also addressed corruption, acknowledging that it persists at all levels of government and pledging to tackle the issue. He concluded his speech with enthusiastic shouts of “freedom,” drawing further applause from the audience.
Following the parliamentary ceremony, Prabowo participated in a parade between the parliament building and the presidential palace for a formal handover ceremony with Jokowi. The two men were once fierce political rivals, with Prabowo having lost to Jokowi in two previous presidential elections in 2014 and 2019. However, their relationship has evolved, and Prabowo now takes over from Jokowi in what is seen as a peaceful transfer of power.
Several high-ranking diplomats attended Prabowo’s inauguration, including British Foreign Minister David Lammy and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. Security was heightened across Jakarta, with approximately 100,000 police and military personnel deployed to maintain order. Tens of thousands of citizens lined the streets to witness the historic moment as Prabowo assumed the presidency of the world’s fourth most populous nation.
Despite the widespread support he enjoys, Prabowo’s presidency is not without controversy. Human rights groups and his former military superiors have accused him of ordering the abduction of democracy activists in the late 1990s during the fall of dictator Suharto. The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras) reported that 23 activists were kidnapped during this period, with nine eventually released, one found dead, and 13 still missing. Prabowo was dismissed from the military over these incidents, though he has consistently denied involvement and has never been charged. His human rights record also led the United States to deny him a visa at one point, and he was reportedly blacklisted by Australia for a time.
However, Prabowo’s image has undergone a transformation in recent years, winning over younger voters through a more approachable, grandfatherly persona. His social media presence, including sharing images of his cats with his six million Instagram followers and viral videos of him dancing, helped cultivate an everyman image. His decision to choose Gibran as his running mate further boosted his popularity, though it sparked controversy after the electoral commission changed the rules to lower the minimum age for candidates.
Experts say Prabowo faces considerable challenges on the international front, particularly in navigating Indonesia’s complex relationships with China, the United States, and Australia. “He will have to balance the country’s extensive economic ties with China against its growing security relationships with the United States and Australia,” noted Parker Novak, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council.
As Prabowo embarks on his presidency, Indonesia’s trajectory on the global stage will be closely watched, particularly as the country seeks to balance its domestic challenges with its international ambitions.
Source: https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/10/20/prabowo-subianto-sworn-in-as-indonesias-president-vows-bold-global-role/154234#google_vignette
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