INDONESIA, 21/10/2024 (Asia News Channels) - Former general Prabowo Subianto was sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president on Sunday, marking the culmination of a political journey spanning more than two decades. Prabowo, who once faced sanctions from the West over human rights allegations, has now taken office alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of outgoing President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
In his inauguration speech, Prabowo emphasized Indonesia’s resilience. “We have to become a nation that is brave and not afraid of challenges, obstacles, threats,” he said, adding, “A brave nation is one that makes the impossible possible.”
At 73, Prabowo aims to boost Indonesia's GDP growth to 8% and continue policies that attract foreign investment. His cabinet, expected to be unveiled soon, includes familiar faces like Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, signaling policy continuity in the new administration.
The ceremony, held in Jakarta’s parliament, was attended by regional leaders including Brunei’s King Hassanal Bolkiah and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Major trading partners, the U.S. and China, also sent delegations to witness the event.
Prabowo’s presidential campaign was bolstered by a social media makeover that softened his image, portraying him as a caring grandfather. His promises included free school meals and maintaining Jokowi’s business-friendly policies. Yet, his broader goal is to transform Indonesia into the world’s fastest-growing economy by raising annual growth to 8%.
Observers will be watching to see how Prabowo addresses Indonesia’s economic challenges, including a shrinking manufacturing sector and a growing informal economy. Prabowo also faces scrutiny over potential democratic backsliding, with concerns about political dynasties dominating the country's governance, including the inclusion of Jokowi’s son as vice president.
Despite his controversial past, Prabowo has assured Indonesians that his military background will not affect his governance. His administration is expected to push for stronger anti-corruption measures, addressing Indonesia's declining rankings in governance standards during Jokowi's tenure.
Prabowo also seems to share an unexacted ties with the neighboring country, Malaysia. Being that during his secondary school years, Prabowo studied at Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and is an alumni of the prestigious school. Reflecting on a past official visit as Defence Minister to the city, he previously said in a statement, "It is like pulang ke kampung (returning home) for me. Kuala Lumpur reminds me of my younger days where I went to school and grew up here," he told the media.
--ASIA NEWS CHANNELS