Indonesian President Joko Widodo has awarded an honorary four-star general rank to Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, a former high-ranking army officer with a controversial past. The ceremony took place in Jakarta in front of top military and police officials. This honorary promotion is a significant gesture, as a four-star general is the second-highest military rank in Indonesia and is typically held by the military leader.
Widodo emphasized that the award is a recognition of Subianto's dedication to the people, nation, and state. Subianto, aged 72, is closely linked to human rights abuses, including allegations of involvement in abuses during his time as commander of the army special forces, Kopassus. These abuses include the torture of activists who opposed the authoritarian leader Suharto.
Furthermore, Subianto has faced accusations of human rights violations in Timor-Leste during Indonesia's occupation of the nation in the 1980s and 90s. Despite denying these allegations, Subianto was dishonorably discharged from the military in 1998 due to the alleged abuses.
Subianto's controversial background has drawn criticism, with human rights groups expressing concern over his promotion to a four-star general. The executive director of the Indonesian rights group Imparsial, Gufron Mabruri, stated that honoring Subianto with his military history could tarnish the reputation of the Indonesian military.
Subianto's recent political success adds another layer to the situation. While unofficial tallies indicate that he secured over 55% of the vote in the presidential election, his victory has not been officially confirmed. If the official count aligns with the unofficial results, Subianto is expected to assume office in October.
Despite the controversies surrounding Subianto, his political trajectory and military background continue to shape Indonesia's political landscape. The decision to award him an honorary four-star general rank underscores the complex interplay between military history, human rights issues, and political leadership in the country.
