In a historic moment for Indonesia, former General Prabowo Subianto was sworn in on Sunday as the new president, promising to elevate the nation’s standing on the global stage. The 73-year-old leader took the oath of office in the Indonesian parliament, succeeding outgoing President Joko Widodo.
“I swear that I will fulfill the duties of the president of the Republic of Indonesia as best as possible and as fair as possible, uphold the constitution, and implement all laws and regulations as strictly as possible,” Prabowo declared during the ceremony.
Following the swearing-in, Prabowo addressed lawmakers, emphasizing his commitment to serve all Indonesians, including those who did not vote for him. “Do we realize that our people and our children are malnourished? So many of our people don’t have good jobs. So many of our schools are neglected,” he stated. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have to be courageous in looking at all of this, and we have to be courageous in solving these problems.”
Prabowo acknowledged internal challenges such as corruption and pledged bold reforms to address these issues. He also signaled a shift towards a more assertive foreign policy, aiming to position Indonesia more prominently in international affairs.
Shortly after his election eight months ago, Prabowo made China his first foreign visit before traveling to a dozen other countries, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, where he signed a key security deal. He has reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy while expressing intent to be more proactive on the world stage.
As the leader of Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s largest nickel reserves, Prabowo now oversees a nation of 280 million people, about half of whom are under the age of 30. His landslide victory in the first round of the February vote was propelled by bold campaign promises, including a $28 billion free meal plan for children.
Security was heightened across Jakarta ahead of the inauguration, with around 100,000 police and military personnel deployed, including riot squads, sniper units, and anti-drone teams, to ensure a smooth transition of power.
Prabowo’s ascent to the presidency marks a significant chapter in Indonesia’s democratic journey, with many watching to see how his leadership will shape the nation’s future both domestically and internationally.
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
