Prabowo takes helm as Indonesia's new leader
Prabowo Subianto steps into Indonesias top job after winning February election. Former special forces commander aims to boost growth‚ promising continuity and free school meals in worlds third-largest democracy
On 20 october 2024 Prabowo Subianto is set to become Indonesias eighth president‚ following his landslide victory in the February election. The 73-year-old ex-special forces commander secured nearly 60% of votes‚ partly due to his promise of free school meals
The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Indonesias parliament‚ where Prabowo will be joined by his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka (son of outgoing President Joko Widodo) Afterwards‚ theyll make their way to the presidential palace‚ stopping at seven stages along the route to greet supporters
Joko Widodo (known as Jokowi) leaves office after 10 years‚ having overseen significant economic growth and infrastructure development. However his tenure wasnt without criticism – some point to increased patronage and dynastic politics
Prabowo has positioned himself as a continuity candidate‚ aiming to:
- Accelerate economic growth to 8% (from current 5%)
- Achieve self-sufficiency in staple food production
- Increase Indonesias global influence
Despite his ambitious goals‚ human rights advocates express concern over Prabowos past. Allegations of involvement in student activist kidnappings and human rights abuses in Papua and East Timor (which he denies) have raised questions about Indonesias democratic future
The inauguration will be attended by about 20 foreign heads of state‚ including delegations from China and the US. Indonesian authorities have deployed 100‚000 security personnel to ensure a smooth transition of power in the worlds third-largest democracy
