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On this occasion, Alus News presents a summary of the life journey and career of General TNI (Ret.) Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo, who currently serves as the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2024–2029 period.
Towards State Self-Reliance
Vision of Defense and Prosperity
Under the Leadership of President Prabowo
Prabowo Subianto is one of the most influential political and military figures in Indonesia. Born in Jakarta on October 17, 1951, Prabowo comes from a prominent family. His father was Soemitro Djojohadikusumo, a leading economist who once served as a minister during the eras of President Soekarno and Soeharto, while his mother was Dora Marie Sigar. His family background, involved in politics and economics from the start, has shaped his perspective.
Military Career, "The Rising Star"
After completing his education abroad, Prabowo chose the military path and graduated from the Military Academy (AKABRI) in 1974 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. His military career was brilliant, often dubbed "The Rising Star," especially after joining the Special Forces Command (Kopassus).
Key Positions:
- 1983: Deputy Commander of Special Detachment 81 (Counter-Terrorism) Kopassandha.
- 1995–1998: Commander General (Danjen) of Kopassus with the rank of Major General. He led important operations such as the Mapenduma hostage rescue.
- March–May 1998: Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Pangkostrad).
His military career ended in May 1998 after the reform movement, where he was honorably discharged from military service. Afterward, Prabowo was briefly active in the business world, taking over the pulp and paper company PT Kiani Kertas (now Kertas Nusantara), and developing the Nusantara Group which operates in various sectors.
Journey to the Political Peak
Prabowo entered the world of politics through the Golkar Party, but later founded his own party, the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) in 2008, which focuses on nationalist and populist ideology.
Presidential Candidacies:
- 2009: Ran as Vice Presidential Candidate (Cawapres) alongside Megawati Soekarnoputri (Presidential Candidate).
- 2014 & 2019: Ran as Presidential Candidate (Capres) and competed against Joko Widodo.
- 2024: Ran as Presidential Candidate for the fourth time, this time paired with Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Cawapres.
After several attempts, Prabowo was finally elected as the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia through the 2024 General Election. Before serving as president, he also served as the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia (2019–2024) in the Onward Indonesia Cabinet.
Key Policies as President
The administration of President Prabowo Subianto focuses on a vision of sustainable development and improving the quality of Human Resources (SDM). Some of the key policies that have been and are being implemented include:
1. People's Welfare Program
The flagship program that is the main focus is the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) for school students and toddlers to address malnutrition and support the formation of the 2045 Golden Generation. This program simultaneously creates job opportunities in the local food production sector.
2. Economic and Defense Self-Reliance
The government encourages self-sufficiency in food, energy, and water to strengthen national independence. In the defense sector, diplomatic steps are strengthened, and the modernization of the main weapon system (alutsista) continues.
3. Bureaucratic and State Finance Reform
Efforts to strengthen governance, combat corruption, and reallocate corruption-prone budgets into productive spending for the people are a priority. Additionally, there are strategic policies such as the abolition of debts for MSMEs, farmers, and fishermen, as well as the revision of the Foreign Exchange Export Earnings (DHE) policy for Natural Resources (SDA) to increase foreign exchange reserves.
4. Education and Human Resources
Improving the welfare of teachers and educational staff, as well as strengthening education through programs such as Sekolah Rakyat (People's School), are essential parts of producing superior Human Resources.
Prabowo Subianto is the third Indonesian president with a military background, after Soeharto and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. His leadership marks a new era, where the focus on human resource development and state self-reliance are the main pillars.