Prabowo sworn in as Indonesia’s 8th President, backs Palestinian cause
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Succeeding Joko Widodo, who led Indonesia for the past decade, Prabowo promised to be a unifying figure for all Indonesians, regardless of political affiliation.
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Indonesia's new President Prabowo Subianto speaks s he announces his cabinet lineup at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated on Sunday as Indonesia’s eighth president, pledging to be a "leader for all Indonesians" while reaffirming the country’s steadfast support for Palestinian independence.
In his emotional inaugural address, the 73-year-old former general affirmed national unity, food security, and the protection of vulnerable groups as his top priorities.
In a passionate speech delivered before parliament, Prabowo invoked Indonesia’s history of Dutch colonialism to explain the nation's solidarity with Palestine.
"We were seen as even lower than dogs in the past... That is why we have that principle of solidarity. We have to defend the oppressed, and that is why we support Palestinian independence," he declared, referencing the discrimination faced by Indonesians during the colonial period.
Prabowo recounted a personal experience from 1978, when he saw a sign reading "honden en inlander verboden" (Dutch for "dogs and native Indonesians not allowed") during his military service, illustrating the impacts of colonialism in Indonesia.
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In addition to reaffirming support for Palestine, the new president pledged logistical aid and medical assistance to those affected by the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
"Indonesia stands ready to deploy more aid, and we will prepare all hospitals, including military ones, to help our brothers and sisters who are victims of the unfair war," he said.
Commitment to National Unity and Economic Prosperity
Succeeding Joko Widodo, who led Indonesia for the past decade, Prabowo promised to be a unifying figure for all Indonesians, regardless of political affiliation.
"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," he said.
His running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is the son of former President Jokowi, was also sworn in as vice president.
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Prabowo outlined national unity and food security as the cornerstones of his administration’s agenda.
He vowed to manage Indonesia’s vast natural resources for the benefit of all citizens, promising to continue Jokowi’s policies on industrializing the mining sector and banning the export of raw minerals and ores.
"All of Indonesia's natural resources will be managed for the greater good of the masses," he said.
The inauguration, held in Jakarta, was attended by foreign dignitaries, including Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, who conveyed the best wishes of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
