INDONESIA'S DEMOCRATIC JOURNEY: FROM SUKARNO TO SUBIANTO

Prabowo Subianto’s ascent to prominence reflects the intricate interplay between family legacies, military affiliations, and political ambitions within the Indonesian context.

- GAUTAM KUMAR JHA

Prabowo Subianto, a former military general, has emerged as a consequential figure in Indonesia’s political landscape in the just-concluded general elections. Hailing from a lineage deeply entrenched in the country’s political and economic spheres, Prabowo’s esteemed economist father served in various capacities within the Sukarno and Suharto administrations. Leveraging his family connections and military background, Prabowo ascended to prominence, notably running as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Megawati Sukarnoputri in the 2008 elections.

Prabowo’s bid for Indonesia’s highest office has been notable for its persistence despite his dark past, facing defeat in multiple presidential elections, including special contests against incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), in 2014 and 2019. Even after his defeat in 2019, he forged strong ties with Jokowi and bagged a ministerial birth as Defence Minister in the last government with Jokowi. His political manoeuvring continued as he secured Jokowi's direct blessing for his candidacy by selecting Jokowi's son, Gibran, as his running mate for vice president. This alignment with Jokowi's camp has likely played a significant role in garnering overwhelming votes and maintaining political relevance in Indonesia.

Prabowo's ascent to prominence reflects the intricate interplay between family legacies, military affiliations, and political ambitions within the Indonesian context. His repeated forays into presidential politics underscore the complex dynamics shaping Indonesia's democratic landscape, wherein historical legacies and personal networks continue to exert considerable influence. Prabowo embodies the intersection of power and privilege within Indonesia's evolving sociopolitical milieu as a scion of both political and military lineage.

INDONESIA'S JOURNEY