Indonesia Elects Prabowo Subianto, a Former General Accused of Human Rights Violations

Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy and fourth-most populous country, has elected Prabowo Subianto, a former army general accused of human rights violations, as its new president. Prabowo, who currently serves as the defense minister, defeated the incumbent president, Joko Widodo, in a close and contentious race that was marred by allegations of fraud and violence. 

Prabowo’s victory marks a major shift in Indonesia’s politics and foreign policy, as he has vowed to take a tougher stance against China, the US, and other countries on issues such as the South China Sea, trade, and security.

The Election Results and Controversy

The election results and controversy of Prabowo’s victory are:

The results: According to the official count by the General Elections Commission (KPU), Prabowo won 50.7% of the votes, while Widodo, also known as Jokowi, won 49.3%. Prabowo secured more than 105 million votes, while Widodo got more than 102 million votes. The voter turnout was 82%, the highest in Indonesia’s history. Prabowo won in 21 out of 34 provinces, while Widodo won in 13 provinces. Prabowo performed well in the populous and conservative regions of Java and Sumatra, while Widodo maintained his support in the eastern and outer islands.

The controversy: The election results were disputed by Widodo and his supporters, who claimed that there were widespread irregularities and fraud in the vote counting and tabulation process. They alleged that Prabowo and his allies manipulated the data and bribed the election officials to inflate his votes and reduce Widodo’s votes. They also accused Prabowo and his supporters of inciting violence and intimidation against Widodo’s voters and witnesses. Widodo filed a legal challenge to the Constitutional Court, seeking a recount and a revocation of Prabowo’s victory.

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The Implications and Reactions

The implications and reactions of Prabowo’s victory are:

• The domestic implications and reactions: Prabowo’s victory has significant implications for Indonesia’s domestic affairs, such as the economy, the security, and the human rights. Prabowo has promised to boost the economy by increasing the state spending, reducing the foreign debt, and renegotiating the trade deals. Prabowo has also pledged to strengthen security by modernizing the military, cracking down on the terrorism, and restoring the death penalty. Prabowo has also faced criticism and skepticism for his human rights record, as he has been accused of being involved in the abduction and torture of pro-democracy activists, the massacre of civilians in East Timor, and the violence against ethnic minorities in Papua. Prabowo’s victory has also sparked mixed and polarized reactions from the public, with some celebrating and welcoming his leadership, and others protesting and rejecting his legitimacy.
• The international implications and reactions: Prabowo’s victory also has important implications for Indonesia’s foreign policy, especially in relation to China, the US, and the region. Prabowo has expressed his opposition and distrust of China, and has vowed to defend Indonesia’s sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, where China and Indonesia have overlapping claims. Prabowo has also expressed his dissatisfaction and resentment of the US, and has vowed to reduce Indonesia’s dependence and alignment with the US on issues such as trade, security, and democracy. Prabowo has also expressed his ambition and aspiration to play a bigger and more assertive role in the region, and to enhance Indonesia’s relations and cooperation with other countries, such as Russia, India, and Japan. Prabowo’s victory has also elicited varied and cautious reactions from the international community, with some congratulating and acknowledging his win, and others expressing concern and reservation about his policies and actions.

Prabowo Subianto’s victory in Indonesia’s presidential election is a historic and controversial event that will shape the future and direction of the country and the region. Prabowo’s victory represents a challenge and a change for Indonesia’s politics and society, as he brings a different and divisive vision and style of leadership. Prabowo’s victory also represents an opportunity and a risk for Indonesia’s relations and interests, as he seeks to assert and protect Indonesia’s role and position in the world.