Jakarta: Prabowo Subianto officially assumed the presidency of Indonesia on Sunday, marking a significant moment for the world’s third-largest democracy. The 73-year-old former special forces commander secured his position after winning the February 14 election with nearly 60% of the vote, promoting policies like free meals for school children and partnering with the outgoing leader’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his running mate.
Dressed in a traditional black hat, a navy suit, and a woven maroon and golden sarong, Prabowo was sworn in during a ceremony at Indonesia’s parliament, becoming the country’s eighth president. Following the ceremony, he is expected to address lawmakers in the upper house before heading to the presidential palace.
His running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 37, the eldest son of outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, joined him for the inauguration. As they make their way to the palace, they will be greeted by thousands of supporters waving flags, with Jakarta’s streets adorned with posters of the incoming leader. Flower boards outside the palace congratulated Prabowo and Gibran while thanking Jokowi for his decade in office.
Prabowo and Gibran plan to stop at seven stages along the route from parliament to the palace, according to Nusron Wahid, an aide to Prabowo. Supporters of Jokowi are also present to bid farewell to the outgoing leader.
Anneta Yuniar, a bystander who eagerly waved at Jokowi’s motorcade, expressed her mixed feelings. “I will miss Jokowi, but Prabowo is a strong leader,” she remarked. “Prabowo will continue the development that Jokowi started. There’s continuity. It’s what I want.”
Jokowi’s presidency has left a significant impact on Indonesia’s 280 million citizens, characterized by robust economic growth and extensive infrastructure development. However, critics argue that his tenure has also seen a resurgence of patronage and dynastic politics, along with concerns about diminishing integrity in the judiciary and other state institutions.
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In response to the inauguration, Indonesian police and military have implemented strict security measures, deploying at least 100,000 personnel across the city, including snipers and anti-riot units.
Later on Sunday, Prabowo is expected to meet with foreign dignitaries, including approximately 20 heads of state, at the presidential palace. China is sending Vice President Han Zheng, while the U.S. delegation is led by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
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Throughout his campaign, Prabowo positioned himself as the “continuity candidate” for voters and investors. He aims to accelerate economic growth to 8% from the current rate of 5%, pledges to achieve self-sufficiency in staple production, and has indicated a desire for a more prominent role on the global stage.
However, past allegations against Prabowo regarding involvement in the kidnapping of student activists and human rights abuses in Papua and East Timor have raised concerns among human rights advocates about Indonesia’s democratic trajectory. Prabowo has consistently denied these allegations, which contributed to his dismissal from the military in 1998, the same year Indonesia emerged from decades of authoritarian rule under former President Suharto.
