Prabowo continues to seize opportunities

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, a millionaire and former general, has been making headlines in recent times for his actions and promises during his tenure.

Subianto, who married Suharto's daughter during the dictator's regime in 1983, has been at the helm of the country since 2019. However, his leadership has been marked by controversy and questions about transparency.

In a recent development, Subianto cancelled a planned foreign trip due to the current situation, raising speculation about his health and the state of the nation. The Indonesian archipelago, home to approximately 285 million people, is currently grappling with various crises.

One of the most contentious issues during Subianto's presidency has been his promise of free school meals for the underprivileged. However, the funding for this promise remains unclear, leading to scepticism and criticism. Soon after the promise, Subianto announced cuts that would take the money back from the poor, making his populism appear as a sleight of hand.

Subianto's transparency promises are also under scrutiny, especially in light of his past actions. In April and May 1998, he orchestrated the disappearance of dozens of activists to curry favour with Suharto. His suspected coup plots and power struggle with General Wiranto are also matters of public record.

Subianto's stance on institutional reforms in the police and security apparatus has been another point of contention. Despite promising reforms, his leadership has instead strengthened the military's role without introducing such reforms. No specific date of reform implementation exists.

Subianto's approach to protests against luxury allowances for politicians has been more decisive and swift. He visited the parents of a police shooting victim and promised a transparent investigation, a move that was appreciated by many.

It's important to note that the newspaper has been arguing various opinions since its founding in 1979. As an independent, left-wing, and opinionated publication, it provides a valuable perspective on the events unfolding in Indonesia.

In conclusion, Prabowo Subianto's presidency has been marked by a mix of decisive action, questionable promises, and a strengthening of the military's role in society. The transparency promises of a man who has never contributed to the clarification of suspected human rights abuses remain unbelievable to many. The current crisis in Indonesia will not be solved by strengthening the role of the military and weakening "checks and balances".