Prabowo Subianto, currently serving as the President of Indonesia, is a prominent and often controversial figure in Indonesian politics. His career spans decades, encompassing military service, business ventures, and a persistent pursuit of the nation’s highest office.
Born in 1951, Prabowo comes from a politically influential family. His father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was a renowned economist and served in multiple cabinets under President Sukarno and President Suharto. This background provided Prabowo with early exposure to the inner workings of Indonesian politics and economics.
Prabowo’s early career was defined by his military service. He rose through the ranks of the Indonesian Army (TNI), eventually becoming a Lieutenant General and Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad). His time in the military was marked by both successes and controversies. He participated in military operations in East Timor and was later implicated in human rights abuses related to the kidnapping and disappearance of pro-democracy activists in the late 1990s. These allegations have haunted him throughout his political career.
Following his discharge from the military in 1998, Prabowo entered the world of business, building a substantial fortune in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and mining. He established himself as a successful entrepreneur, further solidifying his position as a powerful figure in Indonesia.
Prabowo’s entry into politics began in the 2000s. He founded the Gerindra (Great Indonesia Movement Party) in 2008, using it as a platform to launch his presidential campaigns. He contested the presidential elections in 2009, 2014, and 2019, facing off against Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) in 2009 and Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in both 2014 and 2019. While he gained significant support, particularly from nationalist and conservative segments of the population, he was ultimately unsuccessful in these bids.
His campaigns were often characterized by strong nationalist rhetoric, promising to protect Indonesia’s sovereignty and economic interests. He presented himself as a strong leader capable of tackling corruption and improving the lives of ordinary Indonesians. However, his past human rights record and perceived authoritarian tendencies remained significant obstacles.
Despite losing to Jokowi in the 2019 election, Prabowo was surprisingly appointed as Minister of Defense in Jokowi’s cabinet. This move was seen by some as a way to maintain political stability and co-opt a powerful opposition figure. In his role as Minister of Defense, Prabowo focused on modernizing the Indonesian military and strengthening defense cooperation with other nations.
In the 2024 presidential election, Prabowo finally achieved his long-sought goal, securing a decisive victory. His running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka (Jokowi’s son), played a significant role in attracting younger voters. As President, Prabowo inherits a complex set of challenges, including navigating geopolitical tensions, promoting economic growth, and addressing social inequalities. His leadership style and policy decisions will be closely watched both domestically and internationally as he shapes the future of Indonesia.