Prabowo Subianto | Business Upturn

Indonesia and Australia engage in defence discussions amid progress towards security agreement

Jennifer Philip — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:31:11 +0000

Indonesia and Australia conducted high-level discussions in Jakarta, aiming to bolster security cooperation through an upcoming defence agreement. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, expected to lead Indonesia, emphasized talks with Australian counterpart Richard Marles on maintaining and improving bilateral relations. Both nations anticipate finalizing a substantial defence cooperation pact within two to three months, with specific terms yet undisclosed.

Marles hailed the pact as the most profound and significant defence cooperation agreement ever between Indonesia and Australia. He emphasized its importance during a joint press briefing with Subianto, highlighting the shared destiny and collective security interests that underpin the bilateral relationship. Subianto, a 72-year-old former general with no prior elected position, appears poised to win the February 14 presidential election. Upon confirmation of his victory through an official count in the following weeks, he is expected to assume office in October.

During his two-day visit to Indonesia, Marles emphasized the longstanding maritime security cooperation between the two nations and expressed a mutual desire to further enhance their defence relationship. This meeting closely followed a recent discussion between Australian Defense Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell and Subianto earlier in the week, highlighting Indonesia’s significant importance to Australia as the world’s third-largest democracy.

Marles also extended congratulations to Subianto on his apparent victory in the Indonesian presidential election, acknowledging the keen interest the election has garnered in Australia. Regarding concerns about Australians supporting separatist movements in Papua, Marles reiterated Australia’s stance on respecting Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty. He affirmed Australia’s unequivocal support for Indonesia’s territorial integrity, dismissing any backing for separatist movements in the country’s provinces. He emphasized Australia’s commitment to respecting Indonesia’s sovereignty without exception.

Despite Indonesia’s status as a significant neighbour and ally to Australia, the relationship has encountered challenges. Subianto acknowledged historical fluctuations but emphasized Indonesia’s view of Australia as a close and supportive friend, particularly during critical junctures.

Past disputes include allegations of Australian wiretapping in 2013, Indonesia’s execution of Australian drug smugglers, and incidents related to people smuggling. Additionally, in 2017, Indonesia temporarily halted military cooperation with Australia due to perceived insults toward Indonesia’s state ideology and military at an Australian military facility.
In September 2021, Indonesia lodged a diplomatic complaint against Australia for delays in sharing information regarding its involvement in the AUKUS trilateral pact, which includes plans for Australia to obtain nuclear-powered submarines in collaboration with the United States and the United Kingdom.

Since 2022, Australia has participated in the annual Indonesia-U.S. joint combat exercise called Super Garuda Shield alongside Japan and Singapore, marking the largest iteration of the drills since their inception in 2009.
The expanded military exercises are perceived as a concern by China, which views them as part of a broader effort by the United States to form an Indo-Pacific alliance akin to NATO, aimed at curbing China’s growing military and diplomatic influence in the region.

Additionally, discussions between the two countries ministers have included the topics of people smuggling and human trafficking, identified as shared challenges requiring collaborative efforts for resolution. Marles emphasized the importance of cooperative action in addressing these issues.

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto declares victory in presidential election

Aishi Saha — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 12:16:59 +0000

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has claimed victory in the presidential election following unofficial vote counts indicating a substantial lead over his opponents. The 72-year-old former special forces commander, who had previously run for president twice unsuccessfully, garnered approximately 58 percent of the votes, according to four pollsters conducting “quick count” ballots at samples of voting stations nationwide.

Rivals Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo trailed with about 25 percent and 17 percent, respectively, according to the independent pollsters, known for accurately reflecting previous election results since Indonesia began direct voting for the president in 2004. Preliminary counts by the election commission were slower, showing Prabowo securing 57.7 percent of votes with around 6 percent of ballots recorded.

Addressing jubilant supporters in Jakarta, Prabowo expressed gratitude for the quick results, emphasizing humility and unity among all Indonesians. Neither Anies nor Ganjar conceded, urging the public to await the official results expected by March 20. Ganjar’s campaign team stated they were investigating reports of electoral violations, alleging “structural, systematic, and massive fraud” without providing evidence.

To secure victory in a single round, a candidate requires more than 50 percent of votes cast and at least 20 percent of the ballot in half of the country’s provinces. Failure to achieve a majority triggers a run-off between the top two finishers in June.

Prabowo’s front-runner status was buoyed by the apparent support of outgoing President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi. His running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 36-year-old mayor of Solo, joined the campaign following a contentious court ruling on age limits.

The winning duo pledged to continue Jokowi’s policies, including ambitious infrastructure projects such as relocating the capital from Jakarta to Borneo. While Widodo’s presidency witnessed economic growth and infrastructure improvements, concerns about democratic decline and accusations of electoral interference have persisted.

Prabowo’s victory marks a significant milestone in his political evolution, from a former Kopassus special forces commander with a controversial past to a potential president-elect. Despite allegations of human rights abuses and past political turbulence, Prabowo successfully adapted his image during this election, targeting a younger demographic and projecting an image of humility and unity to secure victory.

Defence Minister Subianto declares victory in Indonesia’s presidential election based on early tally results

Jennifer Philip — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 13:57:40 +0000

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabawo Subianto asserted his win in the first round of Indonesia’s presidential election on Wednesday, February 14th, following early indications from preliminary results showing him in the lead. Subianto announced his victory based on unofficial counts but urged people to remain calm and await the official results from the election commission.

According to early, unofficial “quick count” tallies conducted by Indonesian polling agencies, Subianto was reported to have garnered between 57% and 59% of the votes, with over 80% of the votes counted in sampled polling places.

In a speech to his supporters, he expressed gratitude for the quick count results, stating, “We should not be arrogant, proud, or euphoric; we still need to remain humble. This victory must be seen as a victory for all Indonesian people.”

The quick counts rely on the real vote count from a selection of polling stations nationwide in Indonesia. While the official count, which is a lengthy process, may take up to a month to complete, quick counts have consistently offered an accurate representation of the outcomes in all four presidential elections conducted in Indonesia since the initiation of direct voting in 2004.

To avoid a runoff against his opponents—two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo—Subianto must secure over 50% of all votes cast and attain at least 20% in every province nationwide.

Subianto was anticipated to address fervent supporters in a crowded Jakarta sports arena later in the evening. The next leader after Joko Widodo will take over an economy marked by a significant growth and ambitious infrastructure initiatives, such as the ongoing relocation of the nation’s capital from overcrowded Jakarta to the remote island of Borneo, a project estimated to cost over $30 billion.

The election carries significant implications for both the United States and China, given Indonesia’s vast domestic market, abundant natural resources such as nickel and palm oil, and diplomatic sway within Southeast Asia.

Indonesia’s landmark election marks crucial race for Jokowi’s successor

Aishi Saha — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:32:19 +0000

Indonesians took to the polls on Wednesday across the sprawling Southeast Asian archipelago in a high-stakes election dominated by the contest to succeed President Joko Widodo. With nearly 259,000 candidates vying for 20,600 positions, this election stands as the world’s largest single-day electoral event.

While various posts are up for grabs, all eyes are on the presidency and the future of President Widodo’s ambitious plans, including positioning Indonesia as a hub for electric vehicles and executing a massive infrastructure overhaul, including relocating the capital city with a multi-billion dollar investment.

The battle to replace Widodo, fondly known as Jokowi, features two former governors, Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan, challenging the controversial frontrunner, Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo, a former special forces commander with a contentious past, is remembered as a key figure during Indonesia’s authoritarian era under President Suharto.

Initial surveys indicate Prabowo’s potential victory, with projections showing him leading with over 50% support, avoiding the need for a second round. However, the final outcome hinges on securing a majority across the diverse Indonesian provinces.

As Indonesians cast their ballots, many express desires for continuity, hoping for leaders who will uphold existing policies rather than initiating drastic changes. However, the election also serves as a platform for candidates to address pressing issues such as infrastructure development, education, and justice reform.

The voting process faced initial challenges, with thunderstorms causing disruptions in some areas, but overall turnout is expected to be high, traditionally averaging around 75% in past elections.

Former Jakarta governor Anies and ex-Central Java governor Ganjar appeal to undecided voters, aiming to force a potential runoff in June between the top two contenders. Both candidates advocate for fair and transparent elections, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles.

Defence Minister Prabowo expressed hope for a smooth voting process, marking his third bid for the presidency after previous unsuccessful attempts against Jokowi. Prabowo’s rebranding efforts, showcasing a softer and more approachable persona, resonate with younger voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate.

However, allegations of electoral interference and concerns about succession neutrality linger, particularly regarding Jokowi’s perceived support for Prabowo and allegations of favouritism towards his own son’s vice-presidential bid.

Amidst these complexities, Indonesia navigates a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, with the outcome of this election poised to shape the nation’s trajectory for years to come.