Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated as Indonesia’s eighth President, a notable figure with a controversial military past. The ceremony attracted international leaders, marking a transition from rivalry with former President Widodo to an alliance intended to sustain existing policies. His administration faces challenges in governance amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Prabowo Subianto was officially inaugurated as the eighth President of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, on Sunday. This ceremony marks a significant milestone in Mr. Subianto’s career, considering his controversial past as a former General alleged of human rights violations during Indonesia’s military dictatorship. At 73 years old, Mr. Subianto was greeted with enthusiasm by thousands of supporters as he took his oath on the Quran before lawmakers and an assemblage of international dignitaries in Jakarta. The inauguration attracted leaders and senior officials from over 40 countries including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Korea, China, Australia, and other Southeast Asian nations. Mr. Subianto’s journey to the presidency saw him compete against the highly esteemed former President Joko Widodo, whom he contested in two elections in 2014 and 2019 without acceptance of defeat. Following Widodo’s reelection, a strategic partnership emerged when Widodo appointed Mr. Subianto as defense chief, facilitating an alliance between their political parties. Throughout his campaign, Mr. Subianto claimed to be a continuation of Mr. Widodo’s legacy, promising to uphold key initiatives like the development of a new capital city while imposing restrictions on the export of raw materials to stimulate domestic industries. The recent election culminated in an overwhelming victory for Mr. Subianto in February, as he promised stability and an extension of the policies established by Mr. Widodo. He takes office alongside his newly appointed vice president, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, age 37, who is notably the son of Mr. Widodo. This choice emphasizes a remarkable shift from opponents to allies, although Indonesian presidents traditionally refrain from officially endorsing candidates. Despite the expectations surrounding his leadership, uncertainty looms over how Mr. Subianto will manage the complexities of Indonesia’s diverse economy and address the diverse issues facing the nation, particularly in a climate of global economic instability and rising regional tensions. Mr. Subianto’s tenure may contrast sharply with Mr. Widodo, given that he hails from a wealthy family and has a military background as opposed to Mr. Widodo’s humble origins and roots among the working class. Additionally, Mr. Subianto has a tarnished history that includes being expelled from the military in 1998 due to accusations of involvement in severe human rights abuses, for which he has never faced legal repercussions. Although planned attendance from Jordanian King Abdullah II was cancelled due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the ceremony proceeded with the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Namrouqa acting as the king’s envoy. The new President Subianto had previously engaged with the Jordanian leadership in discussions relevant to humanitarian efforts amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As Mr. Subianto assumes leadership of Indonesia, he inevitably faces the critical challenge of navigating an economy enriched by natural resources while managing the geopolitical pressure from territorial disputes and the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry.
The recent inauguration of Prabowo Subianto as President of Indonesia occurs against a backdrop of a political landscape marked by intense rivalries and historical complexities. Subianto’s rise to the presidency illustrates a dramatic shift from a controversial military past to a leadership role in a democratic government. His past includes serious accusations related to human rights violations during Indonesia’s authoritarian regime, which complicates his legitimacy and governance. Additionally, his alliance with former President Joko Widodo signifies a potential stabilization in Indonesian politics, aimed at continuing policies that have fostered economic growth in the nation.
In conclusion, Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration as Indonesia’s President signals both a continuation of existing governance and an arena filled with uncertainty. The alliance with former President Widodo suggests a potential for policy continuity, yet Mr. Subianto’s controversial history and the current global economic climate pose significant challenges. As he embarks on this new chapter, his ability to effectively govern and respond to regional tensions will be pivotal in shaping Indonesia’s future.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
