- Prabowo Subianto Sworn in as Indonesia’s President with largest cabinet in decades
- His cabinet appointments signal continuity in economic policies
- He won 58% of the vote in the February elections
Prabowo Subianto Sworn in as Indonesia’s President
Former military general Prabowo Subianto has been inaugurated as Indonesia’s president, unveiling the largest cabinet in decades. At 73 years old, Prabowo takes office as the country’s eighth president, succeeding Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, who led the nation through a decade of economic growth.
After two previous unsuccessful bids for the presidency, Prabowo secured over 58% of the vote in February’s elections, defeating two opponents. In his inaugural speech, he pledged to tackle corruption and poverty, stating he would be a president for all Indonesians.
Prabowo was sworn in alongside his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of Jokowi. His cabinet includes a staggering 48 ministers and 58 vice-ministers—up from 34 ministers and 30 vice-ministers under Jokowi. Notably, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto have been re-appointed, signalling continuity in economic policies.
The new cabinet will be officially sworn in on Monday, beginning their administration with a three-day retreat at a military academy in Central Java. This retreat aims to foster team bonding and align the cabinet with Prabowo’s vision, as they camp out in tents during the event.
