Indonesia swears in ex-general Prabowo Subianto as president

Prabowo Subianto took the oath of office on Sunday, becoming the eighth president of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. The former general, once a controversial figure accused of rights abuses, now stands at the helm of the country, after a political career marked by a shift from rivalry to alliance with outgoing President Joko Widodo.

The 73-year-old was greeted by enthusiastic crowds in Jakarta, with thousands lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the new leader. Wearing traditional Betawi attire, Prabowo waved from the sunroof of a white van, as supporters chanted his name and wished him luck on his journey from the parliament building to the presidential palace.

Prabowo’s rise to the presidency is notable given his past, having twice run against President Widodo in bitterly contested elections in 2014 and 2019. However, after his re-election, Widodo appointed Prabowo as defense minister, setting the stage for a political alliance that led to his eventual endorsement.

During his campaign, Prabowo positioned himself as the successor to Widodo’s policies, promising to continue key projects such as the multibillion-dollar new capital city and measures to limit raw material exports to promote local industry. With Widodo’s backing, Prabowo secured a decisive victory in the February 2024 election, signaling a new era of continuity and stability for Indonesia.