Indonesia’s macho new leader is no “cuddly grandpa”
Prabowo Subianto has fought back from years of disgrace and exile
Wearing a blue tunic, Prabowo Subianto waved from a gleaming white jeep on his way to the presidential palace after becoming Indonesia’s eighth president on October 20th. Sun-baked crowds waved back. For the retired general, it was the triumphant final leg of a quarter-century journey back to the centre of power from disgrace and exile. It is also the first time in a decade that there has been a major shift in Indonesian politics.
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This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Getting to know Prabowo”
From the October 26th 2024 edition
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