Prabowo Subianto

Prabowo Subianto
Born	Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo 17 10, 1951
Birthplace	Jakarta, Indonesia
Nationality	Indonesian
Occupation	Politician, retired military officer, businessman
Education	Indonesian Military Academy
Children	1

Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo (born 17 October 1951) is an Indonesian politician, businessman, and retired military officer serving as the eighth President of Indonesia since 20 October 2024. A figure whose career has traversed the upper echelons of Indonesia's military establishment, the corridors of business, and the turbulent arena of democratic politics, Prabowo's path to the presidency was marked by three successive presidential campaigns—in 2009, 2014, and 2019—before his eventual victory in the 2024 election. He previously served as the 26th Minister of Defence under President Joko Widodo from 2019 to 2024. Prabowo is Indonesia's third president with a military background, following Suharto and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and is the oldest first-term president in the nation's history. Born into one of Indonesia's most prominent political and intellectual families—his father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was a noted economist and politician—Prabowo graduated from the Indonesian Military Academy in 1970 and spent the bulk of his military career in the elite Kopassus special forces. His military service ended abruptly in 1998 amid the political upheaval that accompanied the fall of Suharto, after which he was discharged from the armed forces under allegations of human rights abuses. In the years that followed, Prabowo reinvented himself as a civilian politician and businessman, founding the Gerindra Party in 2008 and becoming one of the most prominent opposition figures in Indonesian democratic politics before ascending to the presidency.

Early Life

Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo was born on 17 October 1951 in Jakarta, Indonesia. He was the son of Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, one of Indonesia's most influential economists and political figures, and Dora Marie Sigar. The Djojohadikusumo family occupied a central place in Indonesian intellectual and political life. Sumitro had served in several cabinet positions and was regarded as one of the architects of Indonesian economic policy in the post-independence era, though he also spent years in political exile after siding with the PRRI/Permesta regional rebellions in the late 1950s.

Growing up in an environment steeped in politics and statecraft, Prabowo's formative years were shaped significantly by his family's political fortunes. During his father's period of exile, the young Prabowo spent parts of his childhood abroad, living in countries including Switzerland, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. This international upbringing gave him exposure to multiple languages and cultures, experiences that would later inform his diplomatic engagements and worldview.

After his father reconciled with the Suharto government in the late 1960s, the family returned to Indonesia, and Prabowo was able to pursue his ambition of a military career. The family's restored political connections placed Prabowo in proximity to the ruling elite of the New Order regime, a position that would both facilitate and complicate his subsequent career trajectory.

Education

Prabowo enrolled at the Indonesian Military Academy (Akademi Militer) in Magelang, Central Java, and graduated in 1970. His military academy education laid the foundation for a career that would be spent predominantly within Indonesia's elite special operations units. Following his graduation, Prabowo pursued additional military training both domestically and internationally. He attended courses at military institutions abroad, which supplemented his Indonesian military education and contributed to his expertise in special warfare and counterinsurgency operations. His educational background, combined with his family's political connections, positioned him for rapid advancement within the Indonesian armed forces.

Career

Military Career (1974–1998)

Prabowo began his active military service in 1974 and was assigned primarily to Kopassus, the Indonesian Army's elite special forces unit. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Prabowo rose through the ranks of Kopassus, participating in military operations in various theaters, including East Timor, where Indonesian forces were engaged in a prolonged counterinsurgency campaign following Indonesia's annexation of the territory in 1975.

His career benefited significantly from his marriage to Siti Hediati Hariyadi, the daughter of President Suharto, which placed him within the inner circle of the New Order regime's ruling family. This connection accelerated his promotions and gave him access to senior military commands at a relatively young age.

On 1 December 1995, Prabowo was appointed Commandant General of Kopassus, the highest command position within the special forces unit. In this role, he oversaw the operations of one of Southeast Asia's most formidable special operations forces. His tenure at the helm of Kopassus, however, became mired in controversy. During the late 1990s, as political opposition to the Suharto regime intensified amid the Asian financial crisis, allegations emerged that Kopassus personnel under Prabowo's command were involved in the abduction and disappearance of pro-democracy activists. A number of these activists were later found, though others remained missing.

On 20 March 1998, Prabowo was promoted to the position of Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), the army's primary combat force. This appointment came at a critical juncture in Indonesian history, as the country was engulfed in economic crisis and growing civil unrest that would ultimately lead to the fall of Suharto in May 1998.

Prabowo's tenure as Kostrad commander lasted only approximately two months. Following Suharto's resignation on 21 May 1998, Prabowo's position became untenable. On 22 May 1998, he was removed from his Kostrad command. He was subsequently brought before a Military Honours Council (Dewan Kehormatan Prajurit), which investigated his role in the abduction of activists. The council found evidence of his involvement, and Prabowo was discharged from the military. He was subsequently banned from entering the United States due to allegations of committing human rights abuses during his military service.

During his military career, Prabowo received recognitions from foreign governments, including a military medal from France, which he recalled publicly during the 2019 presidential campaign.

Post-Military Period and Business

Following his discharge from the military in 1998, Prabowo spent several years abroad, primarily in Jordan and other countries. During this period, he transitioned into the private sector, leveraging his family's business connections—his brother Hashim Djojohadikusumo is one of Indonesia's wealthiest businessmen—to build a portfolio of business interests. These interests spanned various sectors of the Indonesian economy, providing Prabowo with the financial resources that would later underpin his political ambitions.

Founding of the Gerindra Party and Entry into Politics

In early 2008, Prabowo's inner circle established the Partai Gerakan Indonesia Raya (Gerindra Party), or the Great Indonesia Movement Party. The party positioned itself as a nationalist movement advocating for Indonesian sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency, and the welfare of ordinary Indonesians. Prabowo's entry into politics represented a significant rebranding effort, as he sought to transform his public image from a controversial former military figure into a civilian democratic leader.

2009 Presidential Election

In the 2009 Indonesian presidential election, Prabowo ran as the vice-presidential candidate on a ticket with former president Megawati Sukarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). The Megawati-Prabowo ticket was defeated by the incumbent president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who won re-election with a decisive first-round victory. Despite the loss, the campaign served to establish Prabowo as a significant figure in national politics and demonstrated the viability of Gerindra as a political vehicle.

2014 Presidential Election

In the 2014 Indonesian presidential election, Prabowo ran as the presidential candidate, facing Joko Widodo (popularly known as Jokowi), who was then the governor of Jakarta. The 2014 election was one of the most closely contested in Indonesian history. Prabowo's campaign emphasized themes of national strength, economic nationalism, and the need for firm leadership.

Joko Widodo was declared the winner of the election by the General Election Commission (KPU). Prabowo initially refused to accept the result and filed a legal challenge with the Constitutional Court, alleging systematic electoral fraud. The Constitutional Court ultimately dismissed his challenge and upheld Joko Widodo's victory. On 20 September 2014, Prabowo assumed the position of General Chairman of Gerindra, consolidating his control over the party as he positioned himself for future political campaigns.

2019 Presidential Election

Prabowo contested the 2019 Indonesian presidential election against the incumbent Joko Widodo, this time with Sandiaga Uno as his vice-presidential running mate. His candidacy was supported by a coalition that included Gerindra, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the National Mandate Party (PAN), the Democratic Party (Demokrat), and the Berkarya Party.

The 2019 campaign was marked by intense polarization and the widespread use of social media by both sides. During the presidential debates, Prabowo made several statements that attracted scrutiny, including a claim that terrorists were being sent by foreign countries and an assertion about the size of Central Java relative to Malaysia that was fact-checked by media outlets. His campaign team later clarified that the comparison pertained to economic indicators rather than geographic area.

Joko Widodo won the 2019 election, and the KPU certified the results. Prabowo again refused to accept the outcome, and his supporters staged protests in Jakarta that escalated into riots. His legal challenge to the results was again dismissed by the Constitutional Court.

Minister of Defence (2019–2024)

In a development that surprised many observers, Prabowo accepted an invitation from President Joko Widodo to join his cabinet as Minister of Defence, a position he assumed on 23 October 2019. The appointment was widely interpreted as a reconciliation between the two former political rivals and a strategic move by Joko Widodo to broaden his governing coalition.

As Minister of Defence, Prabowo oversaw Indonesian defense policy and military procurement during a period of increasing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Indonesian armed forces and to strengthen bilateral defense relationships with various countries. The ministerial role also served to rehabilitate Prabowo's international standing, as it facilitated official visits and diplomatic engagements that had previously been constrained by the travel restrictions imposed on him following his military discharge.

2024 Presidential Election

On 10 October 2021, the Gerindra Party formally announced Prabowo as their candidate for the 2024 Indonesian presidential election. On 12 August 2022, Prabowo publicly accepted the party's nomination. His running mate was Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of outgoing President Joko Widodo and then-mayor of Surakarta, a choice that underscored the political alliance between Prabowo and the Joko Widodo camp.

Prabowo declared victory in the election on 14 February 2024, as early unofficial quick count results showed him with a commanding lead sufficient to win in the first round of voting, avoiding a runoff. On 20 March 2024, the General Election Commission (KPU) certified the official results and declared Prabowo as the president-elect of Indonesia. Legal challenges to the results were filed but dismissed; the Constitutional Court (MK) confirmed his status as president-elect on 22 April 2024.

Presidency (2024–present)

Prabowo was sworn in as the eighth President of Indonesia on 20 October 2024, with Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his Vice President, succeeding Joko Widodo. His cabinet was designated the "Red and White Cabinet" (Kabinet Merah Putih), reflecting nationalist symbolism derived from the colors of the Indonesian flag.

In his early presidency, Prabowo has focused on economic development, international engagement, and trade diplomacy. In January 2026, he delivered a special address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he presented a comprehensive overview of his administration's policy agenda, having declined the previous year's invitation as it was considered too early in his term.

Prabowo's administration has pursued active trade diplomacy, particularly with the United States. In February 2026, he engaged in trade negotiations with the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, with Prabowo emphasizing that the outcomes were "mutually beneficial." He also addressed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, outlining his government's commitment to governance reform, legal certainty, and human resource development as pillars of Indonesia's economic strategy.

In the area of international trade disputes, Prabowo stated that Indonesia was "ready for all scenarios" following the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of global tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, signaling a preparedness to adapt to shifting international trade conditions.

On the economic and industrial development front, Prabowo's administration has pursued technology partnerships, including a framework agreement between Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara and British semiconductor design company Arm to accelerate the development of Indonesia's semiconductor industry.

His administration's decision to join the Trump administration's "Board of Peace" initiative has also generated discussion, with Indonesian Islamic organizations expressing support for the move, though analysts have raised questions about its potential costs and implications for Indonesia's foreign policy posture.

Personal Life

Prabowo was previously married to Siti Hediati Hariyadi, the daughter of former President Suharto. The couple has one son, Didit Hediprasetyo, who pursued a career in fashion design and is based in Paris. Prabowo and Hediati later divorced, though the family has maintained a degree of public cordiality.

Prabowo's father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was one of Indonesia's foremost economists and served in multiple cabinet positions across different Indonesian administrations. His brother, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, is a prominent Indonesian businessman whose financial resources have supported Prabowo's political campaigns and the Gerindra Party.

Prabowo is known to have interests in equestrian sports and has maintained a ranch and horse breeding operation. His official residence as president is the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

Recognition

During his military career, Prabowo received a military decoration from France, a distinction he publicly recalled during the 2019 presidential campaign.

He was also conferred the honorary title of Datuk Seri Darjah Gemilang Seri Melaka by the Malaysian state of Malacca, a recognition that reflected his profile as a regional political figure.

In January 2026, Prabowo was invited to deliver a special address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, an appearance that signaled international recognition of his position as leader of Southeast Asia's largest economy.

He holds the honorary rank of General in the Indonesian Army, conferred after his discharge from active military service had ended his regular career progression.

Legacy

As a figure who has traversed the Indonesian military, the business world, and democratic politics over more than five decades, Prabowo Subianto occupies a complex and contested place in Indonesian public life. His military career, particularly his service in Kopassus and his role during the turbulent final days of the Suharto regime, remains a subject of debate among historians, human rights organizations, and political analysts. The allegations of involvement in the abduction of pro-democracy activists in 1997–1998 have continued to shadow his political career, and the issue of accountability for those events remains unresolved.

At the same time, Prabowo's persistent pursuit of the presidency—running three times before winning in 2024—reflects a degree of political resilience that is notable in Indonesian democratic history. His founding of the Gerindra Party in 2008 and its subsequent growth into one of Indonesia's major political parties represent a significant contribution to the country's multi-party democratic landscape. The party's nationalist platform has attracted substantial support, particularly among voters who favor a strong state role in the economy and assertive defense of Indonesian sovereignty.

His transition from fierce political opponent of Joko Widodo in the 2014 and 2019 elections to his defence minister and eventual successor as president illustrates the pragmatic and coalition-oriented nature of Indonesian politics. The selection of Joko Widodo's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice-presidential running mate in 2024 further cemented this political alliance and raised broader questions about political dynasties in Indonesian democracy.

As president, Prabowo has signaled a focus on economic development, industrial modernization, and active engagement with global powers. His approach to international relations, including trade negotiations with the United States and participation in multilateral forums, will shape Indonesia's position in an evolving global order during a period of significant geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region.