Ex-general Prabowo takes office as Indonesia president

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Former general Prabowo Subianto was sworn in Sunday as president of Indonesia, seeking a more prominent position on the global stage for the world's fourth most populous nation.

The 73-year-old fiery nationalist -- accused of rights abuses during his time in the military -- took the oath at parliament to officially succeed outgoing leader Joko Widodo.

"We will lead the Indonesian government... by prioritising the interests of all Indonesian people, including those who did not vote for us," he said, pledging to tackle corruption and protect democracy.

Prabowo has committed himself to Indonesia's non-aligned foreign policy, but has signalled that he will be bolder on the world stage.

He made China his first foreign visit after his election eight months ago, before embarking on trips to a dozen other countries including Russia and Australia, where he signed a key security deal.

He inherits Southeast Asia's largest economy and the world's largest nickel reserves, taking lead of a country of 280 million where about half are below the age of 30.

Prabowo won by a first-round landslide in the February vote, helped by the support of running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 37-year-old son of Widodo.

After his swearing-in, the former defence minister, dressed in traditional attire, addressed lawmakers who chanted his name.

He spoke of sticking to Indonesia's neutral foreign policy but said territorial defence would be a priority.

"We want to be the good neighbour," he said.

"We don't want to disturb other countries, but we will not let any countries disturb us."

Prabowo then went to the presidential palace in Jakarta, shaking hands with supporters before a handover ceremony with Widodo, more popularly known as Jokowi, a former rival to whom he lost two election races.

Rights record

Several dozen diplomats attended the inauguration, including British foreign minister David Lammy and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message Sunday, saying he would maintain "close strategic communication" with Prabowo, state broadcaster CCTV said.

Tens of thousands lined the streets of Jakarta amid heightened security as Prabowo became Indonesia's eighth leader since the country achieved independence in 1945.

While supporters hailed his ascent to the presidency, critics have pointed to a chequered past.

NGOs and his former military bosses accuse Prabowo of ordering the abduction of democracy activists at the end of dictator Suharto's rule in the late 1990s.

The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence said 23 activists were kidnapped between 1997 and 1998 and 13 remain missing.

Prabowo was discharged from the military over the abductions, but denied the allegations.

The United States once refused to give Prabowo a visa because of his rights record, and he was also reportedly once included on a blacklist in Australia.

"Concerns remain about what Prabowo's ascension may mean for democracy and human rights," said Parker Novak, nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Image reboot

A campaign to rehabilitate Prabowo's reputation won over younger voters in the last election, with the former general remodelling himself as a grandfatherly figure.

The addition of Gibran to the ticket prompted accusations of nepotism after age limits for candidates were lowered last year by Jokowi's brother-in-law, then the chief justice.

Gibran's popularity is tied to his father, who took Indonesia out of the Covid-19 pandemic relatively unscathed and back to five percent growth.

Jokowi's successor has set an even higher target of eight percent growth.

But experts say a bigger challenge lies ahead on the world stage.

"He will have to navigate inevitable tension between his country's extensive economic relationship with China and growing security relationships with the United States and Australia," said Novak.