Probable Next Indonesian President Prabowo Receives Four-Star General Rank Despite Controversial Past – Sky Bulletin

In a recent ceremony in Jakarta, incumbent Indonesian President Joko Widodo honored Prabowo Subianto, Defense Minister and the likely victor in the February 14th presidential elections, with the rank of honorary four-star general. Prabowo, 72, with a past tainted by alleged human rights abuses, stood among top military and police officials as he received this distinction, which is second only to the highest rank in Indonesia’s military hierarchy.

President Widodo described the accolade as an acknowledgment and appreciation of full commitment to the country and its citizens. Prabowo Subianto’s bid for the presidency was strengthened with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo’s son, as his vice-presidential nominee.

Prabowo’s tenure as a lieutenant general and the leader of the army’s special forces, Kopassus, was marked by controversy. He was implicated in the mistreatment of activists during the regime of Suharto and in abuses during Indonesia’s occupation of Timor-Leste. Although Prabowo has consistently denied these claims, the allegations resulted in his dismissal from the military in 1998.

For years, Prabowo and his former Kopassus affiliates were prohibited from entering the United States for the accusations related to Timor-Leste. It wasn’t until 2020 that this restriction was lifted, allowing him to travel to the U.S. as Indonesia’s defense minister.

Human rights advocates, including Gufron Mabruri of Imparsial, criticize the decision to honor Prabowo with a four-star title given the allegations that mar his military record, contending it could tarnish the reputation of the Indonesian military.

The outcome of the presidential election has yet to be formally confirmed. However, preliminary results indicate that Prabowo surpassed the 55% mark against his competitors. These results are based on polls from across the nation, a method historically reliable in Indonesian elections. Should these results hold, Prabowo is set to assume the presidency in October.

What position does Prabowo Subianto currently hold?

Prabowo Subianto is the current Defense Minister of Indonesia.

What rank was Prabowo Subianto awarded?

Prabowo Subianto was awarded the honorary rank of a four-star general.

What are the human rights abuses Prabowo Subianto is allegedly linked to?

Prabowo Subianto is linked to human rights abuses during the era of Suharto and during the occupation of Timor-Leste by Indonesia.

Has the election result declaring Prabowo Subianto as the president been made official?

As of now, the official result of the presidential election has not been declared, but preliminary counts suggest Prabowo Subianto is likely to win.

When will the next president of Indonesia take office?

If the preliminary election results hold, the next president of Indonesia will take office in October.

The recent honor bestowed upon Prabowo Subianto by President Joko Widodo, despite Prabowo’s alleged links to human rights violations, has sparked debate and criticism among human rights circles in Indonesia. Nonetheless, as the probable winner of the presidential election, Prabowo stands on the cusp of guiding one of Southeast Asia’s most significant nations. The validity and potential impact of his appointment as an honorary four-star general, as well as his presidential ambitions, remain subjects of interest both domestically and internationally. Official confirmation of the election results will set the stage for Indonesia’s political future, with Prabowo at the helm.