Prabowo Subianto sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president

JAKARTA — Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated on Sunday as Indonesia’s eighth president, succeeding Joko Widodo, who served for a decade. In his inaugural address, he pledged to be the “leader of all Indonesians.”

The inauguration ceremony took place in Jakarta and was attended by various foreign dignitaries.

Having served as defense minister in Jokowi’s Cabinet, Prabowo was elected in February after winning a landslide victory. Following the ceremony, the 73-year-old president proceeded to the presidential palace, where he received a warm welcome from the outgoing president.

In an emotional speech, Prabowo emphasized his commitment to unity among Indonesians, regardless of political affiliations, and vowed to advocate for the protection and welfare of the nation’s most vulnerable groups.

He highlighted national unity and food security as the primary focuses of his administration and promised that Indonesia’s natural resources would be managed for the benefit of all citizens.

He also committed to continuing the policies of his predecessor, including the industrialization of mining commodities and the ban on exporting raw minerals and ores.

“We will carry out this oath to the best of our ability and with accountability, prioritizing all the people, including those who did not vote for us,” Prabowo stated. His running mate, 37-year-old Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of Jokowi, was also sworn in as vice president. — Agencies