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Prabowo Subianto

Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician who was confirmed as president-elect of the country in March 2024, representing the Gerindra Party. He is set to take office in October 2024. The election was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and retaliatory investigations, with analysts describing as “one of the least trustworthy” polls in recent decades. Until he officially becomes president, Prabowo will continue to serve as the minister of defence under outgoing President Joko Widodo.

Born

17 Oct 1951

Industry

Politics

Job Title

President of Indonesia

Prabowo Subianto

Indonesia and China strengthen ties with new visa-free transit policy

Indonesian travellers with ordinary passports can now enter China for 10 days if they have tickets to a third country.

Indonesia’s Prabowo skips G7 summit in Canada for talks with Putin in Russia

Indonesia’s green groups welcome move to axe mining permits in Raja Ampat

Opinion | How Trump’s tariffs could benefit Asean in the long run

While the tariffs may undermine the bloc’s growth in the short term, they are spurring increased cooperation between member states and with others.

Calls grow for removal of Indonesia’s health chief as rift with doctors deepens

Criticism of Budi Gunadi Sadikin has surged in recent weeks, and analysts warn the tension risks undermining healthcare reform.

Indonesia bans age limits in hiring in bid for fairer job market

New circular directs employers to eliminate age restrictions in recruitment efforts, including those targeting people with disabilities.

Trump tariffs upheld, May factory activity on tap and more

This week: Trump wins reprieve for tariffs, China condemns US revocation of student visas and Li Qiang tours Indonesia and Malaysia. Next week: Dong Jun to skip Shangri-La Dialogue, May factory activity on tap, more countries get visa-free access to China and more.

Letters | Are workplaces in Malaysia ready to welcome older workers?

Readers discuss a call to raise the retirement age to 65, the Chinese premier’s visit to Indonesia, and the significance of the Trump-Harvard feud.

Backlash in Indonesia as Danantara courts BlackRock amid Israel arms concerns

Critics say partnering with a firm that invests in arms suppliers to the Israeli military risks undermining Indonesia’s pro-Palestine stance.

Macron touts defence ties in Indonesia, backs Prabowo’s push for Palestine

The French president’s trip to Jakarta strengthened defence and economic links, securing deals and discussing Indonesia’s potential shift in stance on Israel.

Asean struggles to stay neutral amid China-US trade war

Premier Li Qiang extended China’s charm offensive in Southeast Asia as countries in the region try to avoid picking sides in the US-China trade war.

Editorial | Li Qiang’s Indonesia visit highlights rapid change in world order

As American tariffs disrupt global trade, new alliances are being formed, with Beijing leading the way.

Indonesia’s Prabowo lauds China’s anti-colonialism record amid deepening ties

China’s leadership on the Gaza issue and anti-imperialist stance will help draw it closer to Indonesia and countries in Africa, analysts note.

In Indonesia, Chinese premier urges multilateralism in face of protectionism

Chinese premier holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on second day of trip to Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

‘Friendly neighbour’: China premier congratulates Singapore’s Wong on win

Singapore and China are marking 35 years of bilateral diplomatic ties this year.

Indonesia faces calls to boost economy through more support for small businesses

Micro, small and medium enterprises account for over 60 per cent of Indonesia’s economy, and analysts say support for them is critical.

Chinese premier set for joint meeting with Gulf and Southeast Asian states

Next week’s event, the first of its kind, offers Beijing a further opportunity to build support for its opposition to US tariffs.

Indonesia’s online porn crackdown nets 380,000 content removals

Authorities have also blocked dozens of social media groups and accounts, including some promoting incest and child porn.

Opinion | Why Europe and Asean are aligning to hedge against US, China dependence

Despite diplomatic and ideological differences, the EU and Southeast Asia’s trade and defence needs are bringing the two sides together.

Singapore traders drawn into Indonesia’s US$12 billion Pertamina corruption probe

Indonesia is dependent on energy imports, and Singapore-based companies are regular participants in Pertamina’s tenders for the purchase of petrol and crude oil.

Will Indonesia’s new history books ‘reinvent’ past rights abuses?

President Prabowo’s government has commissioned a 10-volume series aiming to ‘reinvent Indonesian identity’ as Suharto’s legacy is recast.

Indonesia slams Singapore’s ‘shameful’ fuel prices, plans pivot to US imports

Despite being an oil producer, Indonesia’s low refining capacity leaves it heavily reliant on Singapore for fuel — but that may soon change.

Is Indonesia a ‘guinea pig’ in Bill Gates-backed TB vaccine trial?

The controversy began after President Prabowo Subianto said that Bill Gates was developing a tuberculosis vaccine to be tested in Indonesia.

Indonesia’s bet on French Rafale jets under scrutiny after India-Pakistan clash

US$8.1 billion deal for 42 Rafale jets triggers alarm, but Pakistan’s claims may offer grounds for ‘evaluation’ of their use in Indonesia’s defence strategy.

In Indonesia, nickel miners warn of mass lay-offs as royalty rise hits profits

The Indonesian government’s bid to boost state revenue and fund projects with higher mining royalties is being met with an industry backlash.

No ‘radical changes’ from Australia as Albanese looks to shore up alliances

Canberra expected to continue managing close US relationship as it leans towards boosting ties with Southeast Asia, analysts note.

Indonesia’s economy slows as US tariffs, fiscal strains challenge Prabowo’s goal

Analysts expressed concerns that fiscal pressures, weak consumer spending, and the impact of US tariffs could worsen Indonesia’s economic outlook.

Indonesia’s food estate push targets self-sufficiency, but Papua concerns grow

Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency drive, spearheaded by President Prabowo Subianto, has raised environmental and Indigenous rights concerns.