Prabowo Subianto has been inaugurated as the eighth president of Indonesia, marking a significant journey from an ex-general with a controversial past to the presidential palace. The 73-year-old former defense minister took his oath on the Quran amidst cheers from supporters in Jakarta. Subianto’s inauguration was met with celebrations, speeches, and musical performances in the capital city.
Subianto, who ran as a candidate twice against the immensely popular President Joko Widodo, won the presidential election in February with promises of policy continuity and economic improvement. Widodo appointed Subianto as defense chief after his reelection, leading to a surprising alliance between the two former rivals. Subianto’s vice president is Surakarta ex-Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is Widodo’s son.
As Subianto takes office, the future of Indonesia’s economy and governance remains uncertain. He has pledged to continue modernization efforts, combat corruption, and address social issues like poverty and malnutrition. Subianto also aims to uphold a non-aligned foreign policy and support oppressed people worldwide.
Indonesia, known as a bastion of democracy in Southeast Asia, has made strides in its democratic transition since the fall of President Suharto’s dictatorship. With a rapidly expanding middle class and economic growth, Subianto faces the challenge of leading the largest Muslim-majority nation in the world amidst global economic distress and regional tensions. Leaders from over 30 countries attended his inauguration, demonstrating the significance of Indonesia on the world stage.
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