Prabowo Subianto Takes Office as Indonesia's New President

Indonesia's new president, Prabowo Subianto, has announced the largest cabinet since the 1960s, with 48 ministries and over 100 positions. Key promises include eradicating corruption, combating poverty and hunger, achieving food and energy self-sufficiency within five years, and maintaining "polite democracy".

Presidential Inauguration & Key Promises

73-year-old Prabowo Subianto sworn in as Indonesia's eighth president on October 20, 2024
Won February elections with 58% votes after two previous unsuccessful attempts
Delivered passionate hour-long speech promising to:
- Eradicate corruption
- Combat poverty and hunger
- Achieve food and energy self-sufficiency within five years
- Maintain "polite democracy" without enmity
Running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, former President Jokowi's son, sworn in as Vice President

Cabinet Formation & Continuity

Announced largest cabinet since 1960s with 48 ministries and over 100 positions

Key reappointments from Jokowi's administration:

- Sri Mulyani Indrawati continues as Finance Minister
- Airlangga Hartarto remains Chief Economic Minister
- Bahlil Lahadalia retains Energy Minister position
- Erick Thohir continues as State-Owned Enterprises Minister

Notable new appointments:

- Sugiono, former army special forces member, as Foreign Minister
- Luhut Pandjaitan as head of National Economic Council
Education and Culture ministries separated, as well as Environment and Forestry

International Relations & Future Plans

Significant international presence at inauguration:

- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng
- British Foreign Minister David Lammy
- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr
- Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
- US Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield

Foreign policy stance:

- Committed to non-alignment on global stage
- Expressed support for Palestinian people
- Offered to send more aid to Gaza

Immediate agenda:

- Three-day cabinet retreat at military academy in central Java
- Ministers and deputies to sleep in tents for team bonding
- Plans to attend upcoming APEC and G20 summits

Key economic initiatives:

- Free meals program for 20 million children
- Estimated cost: 71 trillion rupiah ($4.60 billion) in first year
- Commitment to keep fiscal deficit under 3% of GDP

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