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Prabowo Subianto

Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is Indonesia’s eighth president, representing the Gerindra Party. He took office in October 2024. A former military general previously accused of human rights abuses during the presidency of his father-in-law Suharto, Prabowo served as defence minister under former president Joko Widodo, who defeated him in two prior elections.

Born

17 Oct 1951

Industry

Politics

Job Title

President of Indonesia

Prabowo Subianto

Indonesia’s 3 million homes push gets US$2.5 billion boost from Qatar

A Qatari firm’s Indonesian subsidiary has pledged to fund the construction of 100,000 homes initially, targeting 1 million over five years.

‘No, thank you’: is Indonesia set to follow Hong Kong with its own tiny homes?

No stomach for more spending? Indonesia trims billions from free meals scheme

Can Indonesia truly ‘copy with pride’ Singapore’s success?

Indonesia’s president is keen to replicate the neighbouring city state’s triumphs, but analysts warn that deeper reforms will be needed.

Prabowo’s visit to Russia underscores Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy

The Indonesian leader is in St Petersburg at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin instead of attending the G7 summit in Canada.

Putin hosts Indonesia’s Prabowo in Russia in bid to deepen ties

The deepening of ties between Russia and Indonesia is part of Moscow’s bid to forge new relations with the Global South.

Indonesia is buying more weapons – but can it sustain such defence spending?

Analysts question whether Indonesia has the wherewithal to finance and maintain its defence systems.

Will Indonesia’s US$1.5 billion stimulus lift its economy?

The two-month plan to boost spending may miss its target, as analysts doubt its impact on informal workers and the middle class.

Indonesia and China strengthen ties with new visa-free transit policy

Indonesian travellers with ordinary passports can now enter China for 10 days if they have tickets to a third country.

Indonesia’s Prabowo skips G7 summit in Canada for talks with Putin in Russia

The decision by the 73-year-old ex-general has raised questions about Indonesia’s strategic direction, which is known for its ‘non-aligned’ stance.

Indonesia’s green groups welcome move to axe mining permits in Raja Ampat

Prabowo cancels four mining permits in Raja Ampat, but concerns remain over nickel exploitation on Gag Island and other small islands in Indonesia.

Opinion | How Trump’s tariffs could benefit Asean in the long run

While the tariffs may undermine the bloc’s growth in the short term, they are spurring increased cooperation between member states and with others.

Calls grow for removal of Indonesia’s health chief as rift with doctors deepens

Criticism of Budi Gunadi Sadikin has surged in recent weeks, and analysts warn the tension risks undermining healthcare reform.

Indonesia bans age limits in hiring in bid for fairer job market

New circular directs employers to eliminate age restrictions in recruitment efforts, including those targeting people with disabilities.

Trump tariffs upheld, May factory activity on tap and more

This week: Trump wins reprieve for tariffs, China condemns US revocation of student visas and Li Qiang tours Indonesia and Malaysia. Next week: Dong Jun to skip Shangri-La Dialogue, May factory activity on tap, more countries get visa-free access to China and more.

Letters | Are workplaces in Malaysia ready to welcome older workers?

Readers discuss a call to raise the retirement age to 65, the Chinese premier’s visit to Indonesia, and the significance of the Trump-Harvard feud.

Backlash in Indonesia as Danantara courts BlackRock amid Israel arms concerns

Critics say partnering with a firm that invests in arms suppliers to the Israeli military risks undermining Indonesia’s pro-Palestine stance.

Macron touts defence ties in Indonesia, backs Prabowo’s push for Palestine

The French president’s trip to Jakarta strengthened defence and economic links, securing deals and discussing Indonesia’s potential shift in stance on Israel.

Asean struggles to stay neutral amid China-US trade war

Premier Li Qiang extended China’s charm offensive in Southeast Asia as countries in the region try to avoid picking sides in the US-China trade war.

Editorial | Li Qiang’s Indonesia visit highlights rapid change in world order

As American tariffs disrupt global trade, new alliances are being formed, with Beijing leading the way.

Indonesia’s Prabowo lauds China’s anti-colonialism record amid deepening ties

China’s leadership on the Gaza issue and anti-imperialist stance will help draw it closer to Indonesia and countries in Africa, analysts note.

In Indonesia, Chinese premier urges multilateralism in face of protectionism

Chinese premier holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on second day of trip to Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

‘Friendly neighbour’: China premier congratulates Singapore’s Wong on win

Singapore and China are marking 35 years of bilateral diplomatic ties this year.

Indonesia faces calls to boost economy through more support for small businesses

Micro, small and medium enterprises account for over 60 per cent of Indonesia’s economy, and analysts say support for them is critical.

Chinese premier set for joint meeting with Gulf and Southeast Asian states

Next week’s event, the first of its kind, offers Beijing a further opportunity to build support for its opposition to US tariffs.

Indonesia’s online porn crackdown nets 380,000 content removals

Authorities have also blocked dozens of social media groups and accounts, including some promoting incest and child porn.

Opinion | Why Europe and Asean are aligning to hedge against US, China dependence

Despite diplomatic and ideological differences, the EU and Southeast Asia’s trade and defence needs are bringing the two sides together.

Singapore traders drawn into Indonesia’s US$12 billion Pertamina corruption probe

Indonesia is dependent on energy imports, and Singapore-based companies are regular participants in Pertamina’s tenders for the purchase of petrol and crude oil.