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Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician who was confirmed as president-elect of the country in March 2024, representing the Gerindra Party. He is set to take office in October 2024. The election was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and retaliatory investigations, with analysts describing as “one of the least trustworthy” polls in recent decades. Until he officially becomes president, Prabowo will continue to serve as the minister of defence under outgoing President Joko Widodo.
Xi Jinping now wants the new Indonesian president to work together with China for the benefit of both nations and for regional security.
Despite a chequered past, new leader can be expected to continue his country’s good relations with China and the region under the stance of neutrality.
- The annual meet ‘formally introduces’ Lawrence Wong and Prabowo Subianto as their respective countries’ new leaders, in addition to deepening bilateral ties
- Prabowo could take a more ‘robust’ foreign policy approach while major changes are unlikely from Singapore’s Wong, analysts say
The biggest challenge for Prabowo will be in persuading the ruling party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), to join his coalition.
The president and his elder son chose not to endorse the party’s presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo during the election, the official says.
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Prabowo pledged to boost Indonesia’s security ties with both China and Japan, in a move that helps ‘lay the groundwork’ for when he takes over as president in October.
Jakarta and Beijing pledge to strengthen joint drills as Indonesian president-elect Prabowo Subianto meets Chinese defence chief Dong Jun during his first overseas trip since winning his country’s election.
Chinese leader calls for two nations to push for an ‘equal and orderly multipolar world’. Visiting Indonesian president-elect says he supports development of closer ties.
The former general, who will take office in October after his sweeping victory was confirmed last week, has been invited by President Xi Jinping.
The congratulatory messages came as Prabowo’s two rivals said they would issue constitutional challenges over the result, citing allegations of irregularities and fraud.
The Election Commission last week stopped displaying its ongoing official vote tally online, sparking criticism from activists, watchdogs and backers of Prabowo’s rivals.
Presumptive president-elect Prabowo Subianto projects 8 per cent growth for Indonesia in the next five years, at a time when the country is facing economic headwinds.
Such an investigation could look at the neutrality of the security forces and distribution of politically motivated social aid, an analyst says.
Critics accuse President Joko Widodo of helping to cover up his defence minister’s alleged human rights violations to strengthen their political alliance.
Indonesia recently called on the ICJ to deliver an advisory opinion to stop Israel’s ‘unlawful occupation’ in the Gaza Strip.
In this issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we look back at the result of the recent Indonesian election, with Prabowo Subianto set to be the country’s next president, based on quick-count results.
Some older Indonesians warn against the trend, highlighting the dangers they went through during Suharto’s rule.
The president-elect had previously admitted to being involved in the kidnapping of student democracy activists during the riots.
Without providing evidence, both losing camps complained of voter intimidation, manipulation of state institutions, and misuse of state resources during the campaign period to sway the Indonesian election.
Questions have been raised about the former general’s possible role in 1998 anti-Chinese riots, but analysts believe he will want strong ties with Beijing.
From US’ show of strength to a man in China being jailed for breaking up a ‘military marriage’, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.
Several analysts say Prabowo is unlikely to do anything to upend the economic cooperation that outgoing president Joko Widodo has established with China over the years.
Widodo’s pragmatic approach created a stable political climate and economic growth, but critics say democracy and human rights have regressed under his rule
Defence minister with a combative past is expected to take a stronger stand on foreign policy.
Prabowo’s camp says it is ‘confident’ the defence minister has earned a one-round victory over his rivals, Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan.
The ex-general and long-time presidential hopeful could win Indonesia’s top job without the need for a second round of voting, according to the polls – but much will depend on voter turnout.
Days before Indonesians vote for their first new president in a decade, opinion polls favour the ex-general bent on continuing an economic strategy anchored on business ties to China while vowing to sustain a more neutral foreign policy stance between Washington and Beijing.
