Indonesia: Prabowo Subianto Sworn in as President

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Facts

  • Prabowo Subianto was sworn in as president of Indonesia on Sunday following an election victory in February, with his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka — the eldest son of outgoing Pres. Joko Widodo — also joining the ceremony.[1][2]
  • He named 48 ministers, five other top officials, and 58 vice ministers — forming the country's largest cabinet since 1966 — who were officially sworn in on Monday.[3][4][5][6]
  • In his inaugural speech, the former general and defense minister — who had pledged a strong government — said his government would prioritize 'the interests of all Indonesian people,' tackle corruption, and protect democracy.[5][7]
  • Subianto also promised to continue the policies of the Widodo administration, including economic development plans and the $30B project to build a new capital city called Nusantara.[8]
  • He also said that he would uphold the country's non-aligned foreign policy tradition, pledging to 'stand against all colonialism' and to 'defend the interests of oppressed people worldwide.'[9][7]
  • Once a special forces commander, Subianto was dismissed from the military in 1998 following the collapse of the decades-long Suharto regime for allegedly being involved in kidnappings and human rights abuses in Papua and East Timor.[1][2]

Sources: [1]Reuters, [2]Al Jazeera, [3]Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, [4]The Jakartapost, [5]Associated Press, [6]BBC News, [7]France 24, [8]Independent and [9]The Diplomat.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Dw.Com. Subianto's election represents a continuation of Indonesia's economic progress and modernization. His military background and strong leadership style are necessary to maintain stability and drive further development. The focus on his past human rights record is overblown and distracts from his potential to lead the country forward.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Guardian. The election of Subianto raises serious concerns about the future of Indonesia's democracy. His ties to the Suharto dictatorship and unresolved human rights issues cast a shadow over his presidency. The lack of concrete plans beyond promising continuity leaves uncertainty about the country's economic and democratic trajectory.

Predictions