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Prabowo Subianto

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.

Born

17 Oct 1951

Industry

Politics

Job Title

President of Indonesia

last updated:

7 October, 2024

Students and other activists carry Bangladesh’s national flag during a protest march to mark one month since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down after a mass uprising, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 5. Photo: AP

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Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

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Prabowo Subianto

Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

Prabowo’s proposal to scrap regional polls stirs fears for Indonesian democracy

‘One-man party’: is ‘kingmaker’ Widodo planning a political comeback?

Opposition candidate wins Jakarta governor race in blow to Indonesia’s Prabowo

The result was an unexpected victory for Indonesia’s sole opposition party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle.

Opinion | Why Russia is finding favour in Southeast Asia once again

As Russia seeks Global South partners and the war in Ukraine drags on, Southeast Asian states are rekindling ties with the Kremlin.

Indonesian cleric urges Prabowo to send fighters to Gaza, ‘liberate’ Al-Aqsa

Rizieq Shihab wants Indonesian youth to pick up arms against Israel in Gaza and East Jerusalem, where the holy Al-Aqsa mosque is located.

Bali Nine drug smugglers in Indonesian prison to return to Australia

Two ringleaders of the group were executed in 2015, while one trafficker was released from prison and another died of cancer.

‘Jokowi still wants action’: Indonesia polls a test of ex-leader’s clout

The country’s former president is back in the political spotlight campaigning for candidates in regional elections.

Prabowo’s US, China visits signal ‘personal approach’ to foreign policy

Prabowo visited both the US and China on his first trip abroad as president, as analysts note a more ‘personal approach’ to foreign policy.

Indonesian VP Gibran’s new complaint desk reels in support, scepticism

Some social media users have urged the vice-president to use existing tools or institutions to better address issues across Indonesia.

‘A new Singapore or Hong Kong’? Bali’s second airport plan takes off

Joint development between local and Chinese firm, which is investing US$3 billion, has support of President Prabowo, but some Balinese are unimpressed.

Indonesia’s Prabowo on managing sea row: ‘partnerships better than conflicts’

The president said Jakarta will safeguard its sovereignty in the contested waterway days after signing a maritime deal with Beijing.

Trump showers praise on Indonesia’s Prabowo during congratulatory call

Doing an ‘amazing’ job: Trump showers praise on Indonesia’s Prabowo during call

The Indonesian leader shared a video of the conversation, where he received warm compliments from the incoming US president.

Will Indonesia-China development pact validate Beijing’s South China Sea claims?

Indonesian experts agree that the deal will legitimise China’s ten-dash line and create a border dispute for Indonesia where there is none.

Indonesia to import 1 million dairy cows for Prabowo’s free meals scheme

The government forecasts milk demand will hit 8.5 million tonnes by 2029. Indonesia’s current milk output is estimated at 1 million tonnes.

Apple offers Indonesia US$10 million sweetener to reverse its iPhone ban

Indonesia’s iPhone ban is an example of the pressure Prabowo Subianto’s government is putting on multinationals to boost local manufacturing.

Will Prabowo’s Brics ambitions reshape Indonesia’s ties with Russia and China?

Indonesia’s new president is wasting no time pursuing a more active foreign policy to position his country as a leader of the Global South.

Arrest of Widodo critic raises concerns of ‘constitutional hardball’

Former trade chief Thomas Lembong’s arrest over a sugar import graft case marks a tougher anti-corruption stance under Prabowo, analysts note.

As Indonesia’s Prabowo eyes Brics membership, why is rest of Asean ‘anxious’?

Doubts swirl about Asean’s significance for President Prabowo as Indonesia pursues Brics membership – a move his predecessor had ruled out.

Indonesia’s Prabowo holds military-style camp to ‘galvanise’ new ministers

Cabinet members wear camouflage uniforms and camp in luxury tents on a hill around a military academy in Magelang.

Editorial | Prabowo important partner for China in times of uncertainty

New Indonesian president, who has pledged not to take sides between Beijing and Washington, looks set to lead way on foreign policy.

How Prabowo’s cabinet choices could affect Indonesia’s growth targets, economy

Analysts say Sri Mulyani’s reappointment as finance chief can reassure markets, but warn retaining most of Widodo’s team may affect economic policy.

Indonesia’s Prabowo unveils ‘fat cabinet’

Indonesia’s new president sworn in

Prabowo vows to serve ‘all Indonesians’, China’s Xi hails ‘friendly’ ties

The former defence minister succeeds rival-turned-ally Joko Widodo, whose eldest son was sworn in as Prabowo’s vice president.

Prabowo’s sea wall plan ‘not the cure’ for Indonesia’s land subsidence issues

Prabowo to court Chinese investment for project that critics say will only increase exposure to climate risks instead of reducing flood hazards.

President Prabowo: Indonesia’s strongman or steward of Widodo’s legacy?

A military man with populist policies, Prabowo Subianto has pledged to continue Joko Widodo’s vision. Whether he delivers remains to be seen.