As Indonesia prepares for the inauguration of 72-year-old Prabowo Subianto as its new president on October 20, the nation is left wondering whether he will continue the policies of his predecessor or forge a new path for the Southeast Asian country.
Prabowo’s victory in February’s general election was largely attributed to the support of the outgoing president. Despite previous electoral setbacks, the retired army general’s strongman image resonated with voters, leading to his selection of Widodo’s son as his vice-presidential candidate, generating a surge in his popularity.
With a 50-year career in military service, politics, and public office, analysts speculate about Prabowo’s upcoming presidency as a long-anticipated “earned right”. The former defence minister will soon take on his new role, potentially shaping Indonesia’s future in his own unique way.