Indonesia’s Presumed Next President Prabowo Now a 4-star General: Here’s how and why

Indonesia’s presumed next president, Prabowo Subianto, who had been a leading contender in the February 14 presidential election, has been promoted to the rank of four-star general by the outgoing president, Joko Widodo, in a ceremony held on Wednesday. Prabowo, who is the current defense minister and a former special forces commander, had been dismissed from the military in 1998 over allegations of human rights violations. The promotion, which is seen as a gesture of reconciliation and appreciation, has also sparked controversy and criticism from some quarters.

Prabowo’s Military Career and Controversy

Prabowo, 72, had a distinguished and controversial military career, rising to the rank of lieutenant general and commanding the elite Kopassus special forces unit. He was also the son-in-law of the late dictator Suharto, who ruled Indonesia for 32 years until his downfall in 1998 amid mass protests and economic crisis. Prabowo was accused of being involved in several human rights abuses, including the kidnapping and torture of pro-democracy activists, the massacre of civilians in East Timor, and the instigation of violence and riots in Jakarta. He was discharged from the military in 1998 and went into self-exile in Jordan for several years.

Prabowo has always denied any wrongdoing and has never been tried or convicted for any of the allegations. He has also claimed that he was a scapegoat and a victim of a political conspiracy. He returned to Indonesia in 2004 and entered politics, founding his own party, Gerindra, and running for president four times, losing twice to Jokowi in 2014 and 2019, and once to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2009. He also served as a vice presidential candidate for Megawati Sukarnoputri in 2004, but lost to Yudhoyono.

Prabowo’s Promotion and Implications

Prabowo’s promotion to the rank of four-star general, which is the second-highest rank in the Indonesian military, was announced by Jokowi on Wednesday, in a ceremony attended by top military and civilian officials. Jokowi said that the promotion was a form of appreciation and recognition for Prabowo’s service and contribution to the nation, especially in the defense sector. He also said that the promotion was a confirmation of Prabowo’s loyalty and devotion to the people and the state. He congratulated Prabowo and pinned four gold stars on his lapel.

Prabowo’s promotion, however, has also raised some questions and concerns, both domestically and internationally. Some of his critics have argued that the promotion was a political move to appease Prabowo and his supporters, who had claimed victory in the presidential election despite unofficial quick counts showing Jokowi with a clear lead. They also said that the promotion was a way of legitimizing Prabowo’s alleged past crimes and whitewashing his human rights record. They also said that the promotion could undermine the civilian control of the military and the democratic reforms that Indonesia had achieved since 1998.

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Prabowo’s promotion, however, has also received some support and praise, both domestically and internationally. Some of his supporters have argued that the promotion was a sign of reconciliation and unity between Jokowi and Prabowo, who had been bitter rivals in the past two elections. They also said that the promotion was a recognition of Prabowo’s experience and expertise in the military and defense fields, and that he could play a positive role in enhancing Indonesia’s security and sovereignty. They also said that the promotion could boost Prabowo’s chances of becoming the next president, as he is widely expected to be inaugurated in October, pending the official results and the constitutional court’s ruling.

Indonesia’s presumed next president, Prabowo Subianto, who had been a leading contender in the February 14 presidential election, has been promoted to the rank of four-star general by the outgoing president, Joko Widodo, in a ceremony held on Wednesday. Prabowo, who is the current defense minister and a former special forces commander, had been dismissed from the military in 1998 over allegations of human rights violations. The promotion, which is seen as a gesture of reconciliation and appreciation, has also sparked controversy and criticism from some quarters. Prabowo’s promotion has implications for Indonesia’s politics, military, and human rights, as well as for his own future and legacy.