Prabowo Subianto Emerged Victorious in Indonesia's Presidential Race
Person in News
3 min read
Official counts indicated that Prabowo Subianto won the Indonesian presidency in the round of voting. The 72-year-old, who is a former special forces commander and defense minister, has declared his victory as a "victory for all Indonesians." According to quick ballot counts, he has secured nearly 60% of the votes..
Life History of Prabowo Subianto
Prabowo, born in Jakarta in 1951, is the son of the renowned Indonesian economist, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo. He joined the Indonesian Military Academy in 1970 and later became a part of the distinguished Kopassus unit after his graduation.
Prabowo was a close associate of Soeharto and even married the former leader's daughter, Siti Hediati Hariyadi (also known as Titiek Soeharto), in 1983.
In May 1998, when anti-Chinese riots erupted throughout Indonesia, Prabowo was leading Kopassus.
About Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, comprising over 17000 islands. This South-East Asian country is located in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Formerly known as the Dutch East Indies, Indonesia gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1945. It is home to the world's largest Muslim population.
Islands: Sumatra, Java, Celebes, Borneo, Bali
Capital : Jakarta
Currency : Indonesian Rupiah
India and Indonesia are among the countries that founded the Indian Ocean Rim Association, which is the top multilateral forum for the Indian Ocean region. Currently, Indonesia holds the position of the chair of this association. Given its strategic location, Indonesia can serve as a bridge between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. Being one of the most important countries in the Asia-Pacific rim, Indonesia is in an advantageous position to connect a vibrant South Asia to the Pacific region.
