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Prabowo Subianto

Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is Indonesia’s eighth president, representing the Gerindra Party. He took office in October 2024. A former military general previously accused of human rights abuses during the presidency of his father-in-law Suharto, Prabowo served as defence minister under former president Joko Widodo, who defeated him in two prior elections.

Born

17 Oct 1951

Industry

Politics

Job Title

President of Indonesia

Prabowo Subianto

As Indonesia plans an island refuge for wounded Gazans, is it helping Israel?

Critics fear moving thousands of Gazans to Indonesia’s Galang Island could inadvertently support Israel’s plan to annex more territory.

Game over? Indonesia eyes Roblox ban over child safety concerns

Video | Anime pirate flag becomes a symbol of defiance in Indonesia

Forgive and forget? Prabowo’s pardons divide Indonesia

As Indonesia’s president pardons former political foes Thomas Lembong and Hasto Kristiyanto, is it about unity or consolidating power?

Boom or gloom? Indonesians cautious about spending despite economic growth

While foot traffic is up in shopping centres, there are more browsers than shoppers, association chairman says.

Indonesians fly anime pirate flag in Independence Day protest

The flag from Japanese anime One Piece has become an unlikely symbol of defiance in Indonesia, prompting warnings of ‘criminal consequences’.

Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing jets deal: a win-win or political trade-off?

The deal has come under scrutiny given Boeing’s safety reputation, even as Garuda insists it is part of strategic plans to expand its fleet.

Widodo’s rivals to go free as Indonesia’s Prabowo pardons thousands of inmates

Prominent opposition figures Hasto Kristiyanto and Tom Lembong will be released as ‘both have demonstrated service to the nation’.

Indonesian military’s foray into medicine-making rekindles Suharto-era ‘trauma’

The military’s partnership with a government agency raises fears that it is reviving its Suharto-era heavy involvement in civilian life.

Malaysia, Indonesia unite to protect palm oil industry, migrant workers

Both countries will work to ‘counter negative campaigns against palm oil’ amid efforts to boost growth in face of looming US tariffs.

Indonesian ex-minister’s jail term: corruption or ‘politically’ motivated?

Analysts question basis of court ruling and whether former trade minister’s close ties to opposition politician Anies Baswedan was a factor in verdict.

Global interest in India’s BrahMos, Marcos family feud: 7 Asia highlights

From Malaysia’s new chief justice to doubts about Indonesia’s future capital, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Indonesia’s dream of a ‘smart forest’ capital becomes a vice-ridden nightmare

Sex work, cockfighting and illegal gambing are rife in Indonesia’s planned capital city, officials say, raising doubts about its future.

Is Gibran being ‘exiled’ to Papua? New mission sparks chatter among Indonesians

The public is speculating about President Prabowo Subianto’s reason for assigning the vice president to handle the restive region.

Fur real? Indonesia’s ‘first cat’ gets presidential security detail

A video of Bobby Kertanegara being showered with attention at an event has sparked an online debate over the feline’s special treatment.

To please Trump, Indonesian airline orders Boeing jet it once shunned

Jakarta plans to revive a plane order to seek favour with Trump and boost US ties despite flag carrier Garuda’s financial woes.

Indonesia steps into the spotlight at France’s Bastille Day parade

The Indonesian president’s state visit allows him to show himself as a leader who can negotiate on equal terms with the West, analysts say.

Video | Prabowo calls Trump ‘tough negotiator’ after tariff deal

Will Indonesia lose out after Trump’s ‘landmark’ trade deal with Prabowo?

While Indonesia’s exports to the US will face a lower 19 per cent tariff, its farming sector could be adversely affected, analysts say.

Indonesia, EU unveil ‘political agreement’ on trade deal

The deal, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, is expected to be concluded in September.

EU delays retaliatory tariffs on US goods in hopes of August 1 deal

The value of EU-US trade in goods and services amounted to €1.7 trillion (US$2 trillion) in 2024.

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Scholars worry Prabowo’s government will ‘whitewash’ the 1998 violence, but a minister says the project would go ahead despite criticism.

Opinion | As Trump targets Brics, Indonesia’s autonomy hangs in the balance

Facing renewed tariff threats, Jakarta must now weigh its commitment to a multipolar world against short-term economic interests.

Indonesia fights to clean up ‘world’s most polluted river’

Indonesia’s Citarum River is so heavily polluted with rubbish that you can barely see the water.

Can Indonesia’s China-backed aluminium ambitions match its nickel success?

With big Chinese firms investing in new smelters and refineries, Indonesia’s aluminium production is predicted to rise five-fold by 2030.

‘Very optimistic’: Indonesia vows to press on with US talks despite 32% tariff

Analysts warn the room for negotiation is ‘very narrow’ and Jakarta must have a ‘strong bargaining chip’ to convince Trump.

Opinion | Through Brics, Indonesia offers its vision of inclusivity to the world

Indonesia’s bridge-building approach shows power lies not only in weapons or markets, but also in fostering understanding and collaboration.

Indonesia banks on critical minerals to avert US tariffs – will it work?

Jakarta offers US ‘interesting’ opportunity to invest in critical mineral ecosystem, reforms trade policies to heed American demands.