Prabowo Subianto Becomes President of Indonesia
Prabowo Subianto has been sworn in as Indonesia’s new president. He now leads the world’s third-largest democracy. This marks a new chapter for Indonesia, a country with 280 million people. Prabowo’s promise to tackle corruption and make the nation more self-reliant. At 73 years old, he has had a long journey to the presidency, transforming from a former military commander to a successful politician.
Prabowo‘s Historic Swearing-In
On Sunday, officially became Indonesia’s eighth president. He took the oath in a special ceremony at Indonesia’s parliament. Dressed in a navy suit and traditional clothing, he promised to work for all Indonesians. He won the election held in February with nearly 60% of the vote. After two unsuccessful attempts in the past, Prabowo’s victory marked a big comeback in his political career. His running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, joined him at the ceremony. Gibran is the eldest son of the outgoing president, Joko Widodo, commonly known as “Jokowi.”
Celebrations and Support
The streets of Jakarta were filled with supporters cheering for Prabowo. After his speech, he waved to the crowd from his car. People lined the streets, waving flags in celebration. Many also came to say goodbye to Jokowi, the former president. Jokowi has been a popular leader in Indonesia, leading the country through strong economic growth and major infrastructure projects. Many Indonesians hope that Prabowo will continue Jokowi’s work and bring more progress to the country.
Prabowo’s Future Leadership
Prabowo faces many challenges as Indonesia’s new president. One of his biggest promises is to fight corruption, which has long been a problem in Indonesia. He also wants to make the country more self-sufficient, especially in industries like agriculture and manufacturing. Many Indonesians are looking to him for solutions to issues like unemployment, inequality, and economic development.
Security is another major concern. During the inauguration, police and military forces were on high alert. Strict security measures were in place to ensure the event went smoothly, with over 100,000 personnel deployed across Jakarta.
Foreign Relations and Indonesia’s Role in the World
Prabowo also spoke about Indonesia’s role on the global stage. He emphasized that Indonesia remains non-aligned, meaning it does not take sides in major global conflicts. However, he expressed support for the Palestinian people and pledged more aid to Gaza. Prabowo’s foreign policy will be important for Indonesia’s relationships with other countries, including the United States and China. Both nations sent representatives to the inauguration. The U.S. delegation was led by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and China sent Vice President Han Zheng.
A Focus on Continuity
During his campaign, Prabowo presented himself as the “continuity candidate.” He promised to build on Jokowi’s achievements, especially in infrastructure development. Jokowi has left a lasting impact on Indonesia, overseeing a period of economic growth and major construction projects across the country. However, critics argue that Jokowi’s government also saw a rise in patronage and weakened institutions like the courts. It remains to be seen how Prabowo will address these concerns and ensure Indonesia’s democracy remains strong.
Prabowo’s Rise to Power Controversial ?
Prabowo’s rise to power has not been without controversy. In the past, he faced allegations of human rights abuses during his time as a military commander. These allegations include the kidnapping of activists and abuses in regions like Papua and East Timor. Though Prabowo has denied these accusations, they still raise concerns among human rights advocates about the future of democracy in Indonesia. His dismissal from the military in 1998, during the end of former President Suharto’s authoritarian rule, adds to the complexity of his past.
A New Era for Indonesia
Prabowo’s presidency marks a new era for Indonesia. As the leader of the third-largest democracy in the world, his actions will shape the future of the country. With promises to fight corruption, build the economy, and strengthen Indonesia’s role globally, many Indonesians have high hopes. The coming years will show how Prabowo leads and whether he can deliver on his promises to the nation.