JAKARTA, Indonesia - Prabowo Subianto, a wealthy former general with close ties to both Indonesia's outgoing president and its dictatorial past, appears poised to become the country's next leader. Although he has promised to continue the popular policies of his predecessor, concerns have been raised about his human rights record and its implications for Indonesia's democracy.
During his campaign, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto positioned himself as the heir to President Joko Widodo, pledging to carry forward the modernization agenda that has fueled rapid economic growth and elevated Indonesia to the ranks of middle-income nations. In a televised speech from a sports stadium on the night of the election, Subianto emphasized the need for humility and unity, stating, 'This victory must be a victory for all Indonesian people.'
However, as Subianto prepares to assume office, questions linger regarding the environmental and social costs of rapid growth, as well as his connections to the human rights abuses that occurred during the oppressive Suharto dictatorship. Serving as a lieutenant general under Suharto, Subianto's involvement in torture, disappearances, and other human rights violations has raised concerns among activists and analysts alike.
Despite his promise of continuity, Subianto has offered few specific plans, leaving observers uncertain about the direction in which his presidency will steer Indonesia's growth trajectory and its still-nascent democracy. Notably, Subianto's choice of Widodo's son as his running mate has triggered debate about the potential emergence of a political dynasty in Indonesia's young democracy, as it violates constitutional age limits and raises questions about power consolidation.
Although the official results of the election are yet to be announced, unofficial tallies conducted by reputable polling agencies indicate that Subianto has secured over 55% of the vote in a three-way race. While his rivals have not yet conceded, past elections have shown the accuracy of such unofficial counts, based on millions of sampled ballots from across the country.
Born in 1951 into one of Indonesia's most influential families, Subianto is the son of Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, a prominent politician who served as a minister under Presidents Sukarno and Suharto. Subianto's childhood was marked by periods of overseas residence, where he became fluent in French, German, English, and Dutch. The family returned to Indonesia after Suharto took power in 1967 following a failed left-wing coup.
Enrolling in Indonesia's Military Academy in 1970 and graduating in 1974, Subianto served in the military for almost three decades. He joined the Indonesian National Army Special Force, known as Kopassus, in 1976 and commanded a group that operated in what is now East Timor. Human rights organizations have accused Subianto of involvement in human rights violations during Indonesia's occupation of Timor-Leste in the 1980s and 90s. While Subianto has denied these allegations, his legacy raises concerns about Indonesia's commitment to accountability for past atrocities.
Notably, Subianto and other members of Kopassus faced travel bans to the United States for years due to their alleged human rights abuses in Timor-Leste. The ban was effectively lifted in 2020, enabling Subianto to visit the U.S. as Indonesia's defense minister.
In 1983, Subianto married Suharto's daughter, further consolidating his position within the political elite. After being dishonorably discharged from the military in 1998 following kidnappings and torture of political opponents, Subianto spent time in self-imposed exile in Jordan. He returned to Indonesia in 2008 and later founded the Gerinda Party. Despite losing two presidential elections to Widodo, Subianto ultimately accepted the position of defense minister in 2019, contributing to a moment of political unity.
Subianto's vision for Indonesia's future aligns with Widodo's economic development plans, which have capitalized on the country's vast natural resources. Under Widodo, Indonesia has experienced rapid growth and modernization, resulting in an extensive network of roads and railways. Subianto has pledged to continue these initiatives, including the ambitious $30 billion project to build a new capital city called Nusantara.
Critics have raised concerns that Subianto's family may benefit from the Nusantara project due to their land and mining interests in East Kalimantan, the intended location of the new capital city. The debate surrounding his family's business ties to industries such as palm oil, coal, gas, mining, agriculture, and fishery further highlight the potential conflicts of interest that may arise during his tenure as president.
In terms of foreign relations, Subianto has demonstrated a pragmatic approach to power politics. While he has faced international criticism for human rights abuses and other issues, he is expected to maintain Indonesia's balanced approach of strengthening defense ties with the U.S. while also seeking Chinese investment. In his victory speech, Subianto emphasized unity and the need for Indonesia to assert itself on the global stage.
The alliance between Subianto and Widodo, despite being political rivals, has raised eyebrows within Indonesia's political landscape. Widodo's endorsement of his rival was evident in his son's inclusion as Subianto's vice-presidential running mate. This move has led to speculation about the establishment of a political dynasty and the consolidation of power at the highest level of Indonesian government.
As Subianto assumes the presidency, his softer image projected during the campaign, including videos of him dancing on stage and unconventional advertisements, has resonated with Indonesia's relatively young population. With a focus on unity and inclusivity, Subianto expressed his commitment to serving all Indonesian people, regardless of their background or beliefs.
As the official results of the election are awaited, Indonesians and international observers alike are preparing for a new era under Prabowo Subianto's leadership. The former general's human rights record and business interests have raised concerns about the future of Indonesia's democracy and its commitment to accountability. Only time will tell how his presidency will shape the nation's growth, democracy, and standing in the international community.
