INDONESIA has its new leader, succeeding outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

Ex-army general Prabowo Subianto will now lead the 280- million population of the world’s third-largest democracy after a landslide victory during the February 2024 presidential race.

The fiery nationalist wore a traditional black hat and navy suit with a maroon and golden sarong as he was sworn into office on Sunday. He was with his Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who was also sworn into office on the same day.

The 37-year-old Gibran is the eldest son of the outgoing leader Widodo

Prabowo promised to continue what Widodo started and to “fulfill the duties of the president of the Republic of Indonesia as best as possible and as far as possible.”

Prabowo also vowed to eliminate corruption and ensure that Indonesia remains a democratic country with its people free from “fear, poverty, hunger, ignorance, oppression, suffering” as he also commits to achieving a self-sufficient country when it comes to food and energy.

He also announced his cabinet with some of them being economic-related ministers, political appointees, and the same faces under Widodo’s administration.

Prabowo tried to be Indonesia’s president twice but failed, and after his third attempt, he was able to secure a landslide victory with over 60% votes secured.

The 72-year-old former longtime commander of the Kopassus special force in Indonesia was once banned from the United States due to alleged human rights violations.

In 1998, Prabowo was discharged from the military after Kopassus soldiers allegedly tortured activists who opposed dictator Suharto, Prabowo’s father-in-law. He never faced trial and denied the allegations, as per a report by AP News.(LAO)

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