Jakarta — Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s Minister of Defense and President-elect for the 2024-2029 term, is seen as a figure who can lead Indonesia towards prosperity.
This analysis was written by Duggan Flanakin, the Director of Policy Research at the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow, in an article published by the American media outlet Newsmax on Thursday (22/8).
Flanakin first highlighted Prabowo’s long-standing dedication to the nation and the well-being of its people, noting his extensive career in public service.
“Prabowo Subianto’s career in service to Indonesia and its people spans decades. He has served his country as one of Indonesia’s most distinguished military officers and held various senior political positions,” wrote Flanakin, quoting from the article titled “Subianto Can Steer Indonesia to Prosperity.”
During his four-year tenure as Minister of Defense under President Joko Widodo, Prabowo also launched the most comprehensive military rearmament program in 50 years.
“He (Prabowo) launched a 25-year budget covering all branches of the military to ensure Indonesia’s sovereignty against all threats in a region where the security paradigm might be shifting towards a less secure future,” Flanakin noted.
Prabowo is also well-known among military personnel for his intelligence and versatility, earning him respect and admiration from his peers.
“U.S. Army officers who worked with him during the 1990s dubbed him ‘The Red Baron’ for his skills. It was this popularity with ordinary soldiers that enabled Prabowo to tackle corruption and abuse, and undertake daring reforms, ruffling quite a few feathers in the process,” Flanakin added.
When Prabowo ran for president again, Flanakin observed that his closeness to the people set him apart from other candidates.
“What made Prabowo stand out in the latest presidential election is that throughout his career, he has always been a man of the people,” Flanakin emphasized.
Flanakin also highlighted Prabowo’s military achievements, particularly his successful rescue of 26 hostages in the mid-1990s from the Free Papua Movement.
“In the mid-1990s, he (Prabowo) personally led an extremely dangerous hostage rescue operation in the jungles of Papua, deemed impossible by military planners and experts, rescuing 26 hostages, including several Europeans, who had been taken hostage by members of the Free Papua Organization,” Flanakin explained.
Prabowo is also known for his friendly approach to business and his strong belief that entrepreneurs play a crucial role in transforming Indonesia into a developed economy.
“He (Prabowo) believes in a strong centralized state that guides the nation towards economic prosperity by adopting business-friendly policies while never losing sight of the importance of implementing strong social programs,” Flanakin stated.
Recently, several social programs initiated by Prabowo have been realized, benefiting the people.
“He (Prabowo) has built a remarkable track record of projects in support of vulnerable communities; projects as varied as investing in water well drilling programs in drought-hit areas, building floating and stilt houses in areas impacted by tidal floods and coastal erosion, building hospitals and mess halls, or supporting sports, arts, and education through scholarships and sponsorships,” Flanakin described.
Flanakin concluded that these achievements make Prabowo well-equipped to lead Indonesia to prosperity.
“Indonesians have every reason to look at his upcoming presidency with the same enthusiasm and optimism that characterized the past 10 years under President Joko Widodo, certain that their country’s direction is in capable and experienced hands,” Flanakin added. (RU)
Source : Subianto Can Steer Indonesia to Prosperity
