Prabowo Subianto, a former army general, was officially sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president on Sunday morning at the parliament building in Jakarta. He succeeds Joko Widodo, who served as the nation's leader for the past decade. The inauguration marks a new chapter for Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country.
Prabowo, who had previously served as the country's defence minister, won the February 2024 presidential election alongside his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of outgoing President Widodo. Gibran, formerly the mayor of Surakarta, now becomes Indonesia’s youngest-ever vice president at 37.
In his inauguration speech, Prabowo expressed his commitment to prioritising the well-being of all Indonesians. He vowed to place the nation's interests above everything else, signalling a continuation of efforts to ensure national unity and development. His words were met with applause as he pledged to serve the people.
The swearing-in ceremony, attended by prominent political figures and international dignitaries, reflects the smooth transition of power in Indonesia’s democracy.
Prabowo and Gibran, after the formal proceedings, were set to greet cheering crowds as they made their way to the state palace, marking the beginning of their leadership.
Prabowo, 73, brings decades of military and political experience to the presidency, while Gibran, at 37, represents a younger generation, symbolising a blend of experience and youthful energy in the nation’s top leadership. This new leadership team will now be tasked with steering Indonesia through a critical period of economic, social, and geopolitical challenges.
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