Prabowo Subianto, a 73-year-old former general, has just become Indonesia’s eighth president, marking an incredible comeback after 26 years. In his inaugural speech, Prabowo emphasized the need for Indonesia to become a brave nation, willing to take on challenges. He vowed to boost the economy to 8% annual growth, attract more investments, and address the dwindling manufacturing sector, declining jobs, and growing informal economy.
Prabowo’s Key Initiatives:
– Free School Meals Program: A multi-billion dollar program to provide free meals to students.
– Domestic Processing of Natural Resources: Increasing domestic processing of natural resources.
– Anti-Corruption Efforts: Targeting officials and businessmen to tackle corruption.
However, critics are worried about potential democratic backsliding due to Prabowo’s military background and past human rights allegations. His administration will also face scrutiny over Indonesia’s dominant political dynasties. Despite these challenges, Prabowo’s presidency promises a mix of nationalism and pragmatic governance. His leadership style is expected to bring greater stability, but it remains to be seen if he can deliver on his promises and tackle Indonesia’s pressing challenges. As the third president with a military background, following Suharto and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Prabowo’s journey will be closely watched.
Source: Viewers Corner News