Prabowo Subianto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prabowo Subianto
Official portrait, 2024
8th President of Indonesia
Incumbent
Assumed office 20 October 2024
Vice President	Gibran Rakabuming Raka
Preceded by	Joko Widodo
26th Minister of Defense
In office 23 October 2019 – 20 October 2024
President	Joko Widodo
Deputy	Sakti Wahyu Trenggono (2019–2020) Muhammad Herindra (2020–2024)
Preceded by	Ryamizard Ryacudu
Succeeded by	Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin
2nd General Chairman of Gerindra Party
Incumbent
Assumed office 20 September 2014
Preceded by	Suhardi [id]
Military offices 22nd Commander of Kostrad In office 20 March 1998 – 22 May 1998 President Suharto B. J. Habibie Preceded by Lt. Gen. Sugiono Succeeded by Johnny Lumintang (acting) Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago 15th Commandant General of Kopassus In office 1 December 1995 – 20 March 1998 President Suharto Preceded by Brig. Gen. Subagyo Hadi Siswoyo Succeeded by Maj. Gen. Muchdi Purwopranjono
Personal details
Born	Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo (1951-10-17) 17 October 1951 (age 73) Jakarta, Indonesia
Political party	Gerindra
Other political affiliations	Golkar (until 2008) KIM Plus (2023–present)
Spouse	Siti Hediati Hariyadi ​ ​ (m. 1983; sep. 1998)​
Children	Didit Hediprasetyo
Parents	Sumitro Djojohadikusumo (father) Dora Marie Sigar (mother)
Relatives	Hashim Djojohadikusumo (younger brother) Sudradjad Djiwandono (brother-in-law)
Residence	Merdeka Palace
Education	The American School in London
Alma mater	Indonesian Military Academy
Occupation	Politician army officer businessperson
Signature
Nicknames	08 Pandu
Military service
Allegiance	Indonesia
Branch/service	Indonesian Army
Years of service	1974–1998
Rank	General (honorary)
Unit	Kopassus / Special Forces
Commands	Kopassus Kostrad
Battles/wars	Operation Lotus Insurgency in East Timor Papua conflict Operation Mapenduma
Service no.	27082

Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo (born 17 October 1951) is an Indonesian politician, businessman, and retired army general. He is currently the eighth president of Indonesia, serving since October 2024. Before becoming president, he was the 26th Minister of Defense from 2019 to 2024 under President Joko Widodo. Prabowo is one of Indonesia's presidents with a military background. He is also the oldest person to become president for the first time in Indonesia's history.

Prabowo Subianto finished his studies at the Indonesian Military Academy in 1974. He mostly served in the Special Forces (Kopassus) before leading the Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) in 1998. Later that year, he left the military. He was also not allowed to enter the United States for a period due to past accusations.

In 2008, Prabowo's close friends started the Gerindra Party. He ran for vice president in 2009 with Megawati Sukarnoputri but did not win. He also ran for president in 2014 and 2019, both times losing to Joko Widodo. After the 2019 election, he joined Joko Widodo's government as the Minister of Defense.

In 2021, Gerindra announced Prabowo as their candidate for the 2024 Indonesian general election. He accepted the nomination in 2022. Prabowo won the election on 14 February 2024, based on early results. The official results were confirmed on 20 March 2024, and the Constitutional Court confirmed his win on 22 April 2024. Prabowo became the 8th president of Indonesia on 20 October 2024.

Early Life and Family Background

Prabowo's father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo (1917–2001), was a famous economist from Gombong. He served as a minister for both President Sukarno and President Suharto. Prabowo was named after his uncle, who died fighting against Japanese forces during the Indonesian National Revolution. His mother, Dora Marie Sigar (1919–2008), was from North Sulawesi and had Minahasan and German roots.

Prabowo has two older sisters, Bianti and Maryani, and a younger brother, Hashim Djojohadikusumo. Because his father had political disagreements with President Sukarno in the 1960s, the family lived in other countries like Switzerland, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. This gave Prabowo a wide view of the world. He went to high school in Malaysia and graduated from the American School in London.

Prabowo's family has a long history of serving Indonesia. His grandfather, Margono Djojohadikusumo, founded Indonesia's first state bank, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI). He also helped prepare for Indonesia's independence. This means Prabowo is the third generation of his family to hold important positions in Indonesia.

Prabowo and his former wife, Titiek, have one son, Didit Hediprasetyo, who is a fashion designer in Paris. While his son is not involved in politics, Prabowo's nephews and niece are active in the Gerindra party, continuing the family's political involvement.

Military Career and Service

Prabowo Subianto joined the Indonesian Military Academy in 1970 and graduated in 1974. Many of his classmates also became important leaders, including Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

In 1976, Prabowo served in the Indonesian Army Special Forces Command (Kopassus). He was a commander in East Timor, a former Portuguese territory that Indonesia had entered. He was the youngest commander at 26 years old. In 1978, his unit found and shot Nicolau Lobato, a leader in East Timor.

In 1981, Prabowo and another officer, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, trained in Germany for anti-terror operations. After their training, they helped create Indonesia's first anti-terror unit, Detasemen 81 Anti Teror, within Kopassus.

Prabowo also attended advanced commando training in the United States in 1985. In the early 1990s, as a Major General, he led Kopassus Group 3. During this time, human rights concerns were raised regarding military actions in East Timor. Prabowo has denied direct involvement in specific incidents and no charges have been brought against him by international bodies.

In 1996, Prabowo led Operation Mapenduma in Papua. The goal was to free 11 scientific researchers held by the Free Papua Movement (OPM). The mission successfully rescued most of the hostages.

On 20 March 1998, Prabowo became the head of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), a large military unit. During his time in the military, he was known by the nicknames "08" and "Pandu."

Role in the Fall of Suharto

In May 1998, during widespread protests and riots, Prabowo was accused of being involved in actions that caused trouble in Jakarta. He was also suspected of being involved in the disappearance of some activists before the riots. Later, some of these activists worked with him or supported him. Prabowo has denied many of these accusations.

Investigations into the May 1998 riots suggested that there was a power struggle within the military. Some believed Prabowo wanted to take over from his father-in-law, President Suharto. Prabowo denied these claims.

Leaving the Military

After President Suharto resigned in May 1998, Vice President B. J. Habibie became president. Prabowo was removed from his position as Kostrad commander. An investigation by the military found Prabowo responsible for "misinterpreting orders" regarding the kidnapping of nine activists. He was honorably discharged from the military in November 1998. Prabowo later moved to Jordan for a period. He has always maintained his innocence regarding the more serious accusations.

When he ran for president in 2014, his past military actions were closely examined. Human rights groups questioned his eligibility. However, no formal charges have been brought against him by the UN or the government of Timor Leste.

Business Career and Ventures

After leaving the military, Prabowo joined his brother Hashim Djojohadikusumo in business. He bought Kiani Kertas, a company that makes paper pulp in East Kalimantan. He renamed it Kertas Nusantara.

Today, Prabowo's Nusantara Group manages many companies in Indonesia and other countries. These companies are involved in energy (oil, natural gas, coal), palm oil plantations, and fishing. Kertas Nusantara is known for its high quality.

In 2009, Prabowo was the wealthiest presidential candidate, with assets worth about US$150 million.

Advocacy and Leadership Roles

Farmers' Rights (HKTI)

Prabowo Subianto was elected President of the Indonesian Farmers' Association (HKTI) in 2004 and again in 2010. This group works to support farmers' rights in Indonesia.

Market Traders (APPSI)

He also became president of the Indonesian Traditional Market Traders Association (APPSI) in 2008. This organization helps traders in traditional markets. Prabowo often asks the government to limit large supermarkets so they don't harm small businesses.

Pencak Silat (IPSI)

Pencak silat is a traditional Indonesian martial art. Prabowo was elected president of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) in 2004 and re-elected in 2012. Under his leadership, Indonesian pencak silat athletes have won many medals, including 14 gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games. He is also the President of the International Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF).

Migrant Workers' Support

Prabowo played a role in helping Wilfrida Soik, an Indonesian migrant worker, avoid the death penalty in Malaysia. He hired a lawyer to defend her.

Political Career and Elections

Early Political Involvement

In the 1990s, Prabowo used his connections to President Suharto. He tried to influence media and political critics. He warned some public figures to stay out of politics.

Golkar Party Convention

In 2004, Prabowo tried to become the presidential candidate for the Golkar party but received the fewest votes. He then served on the Golkar Advisory Council until 2008.

Gerindra Party Formation

In February 2008, Prabowo's close associates, including his brother Hashim, founded the Gerindra Party. Prabowo became the chairman of the party's Board of Trustees and later its general chairman in 2014.

Vice-Presidential Candidacy in 2009

In 2009, Gerindra nominated Prabowo for president. However, since the party didn't have enough seats in parliament, Prabowo ran as a vice-presidential candidate with Megawati Sukarnoputri. They were known as Mega–Pro. They received 27% of the votes and lost to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Presidential Candidacy in 2014

In 2011, Prabowo announced he would run for president in 2014. Gerindra officially named him their candidate in March 2012. He promised to create an economy that welcomes investment and to improve agriculture. He also said he would protect the rights of minority religious groups.

After the 2014 legislative election, Prabowo became one of the top two presidential candidates, along with Joko Widodo. On 20 May 2014, several parties supported Prabowo for president. He chose Hatta Rajasa as his running mate.

On 22 July 2014, Prabowo withdrew from the race, claiming there was "massive cheating." He said he would challenge the results in the Constitutional Court. However, Joko Widodo was officially announced as president. Observers said the elections were fair. On 21 August 2014, the Constitutional Court rejected Prabowo's claims, confirming his loss.

Presidential Candidacy in 2019

On 12 April 2018, Prabowo announced he would run for president again in 2019 if he had enough support. On 10 August 2018, he registered with Sandiaga Uno as his running mate. They were supported by Gerindra and other parties.

After the election, unofficial results showed Joko Widodo winning. However, Prabowo claimed victory, saying his own count showed he won. His claims led to protests in Jakarta. The Constitutional Court rejected Prabowo's appeal in June 2019.

On 14 July 2019, Prabowo accepted Jokowi's victory and congratulated him. He later joined Jokowi's government as the Minister of Defense in October 2019.

Presidential Candidacy in 2024

On 7 January 2023, Prabowo launched his third presidential campaign for the 2024 Indonesian general election. He ran for president with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo, as his vice-presidential candidate. They registered on 25 October 2023, with support from many parties.

In November 2023, Prabowo suggested that Indonesia should learn more from Eastern countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea. He also considered Indonesia joining BRICS, an economic group.

On 14 February 2024, unofficial results showed Prabowo leading with 58% of the vote. He declared victory and promised to be a president for all Indonesians. On 20 March 2024, the General Elections Commission (KPU) officially announced Prabowo's victory. He and Gibran were sworn in on 20 October 2024. The Constitutional Court confirmed their win on 22 April 2024.

Minister of Defense (2019–2024)

Appointment and Role

Prabowo Subianto became Indonesia's Minister of Defense on 23 October 2019. President Joko Widodo said Prabowo was chosen because of his extensive experience. Prabowo stated he wanted to serve the country and promote national unity.

Military Modernization

As Minister of Defense, Prabowo worked to modernize Indonesia's military. He supported a "total people's war" idea for defense and created a Reserve Component in 2021. He aimed to increase the defense budget to buy advanced weapons and build a stronger local defense industry.

He worked to acquire new fighter jets like General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons and Dassault Rafales. He also sought new transport aircraft and warships. He helped renegotiate Indonesia's payment for the KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter program. In 2022, he helped combine several state-owned defense companies into a single group called Defend ID.

Food Security Program

In 2020, President Jokowi asked Prabowo to lead the national food estate program. This project aims to create large food production areas, especially in Central Kalimantan, to ensure Indonesia has enough food. Prabowo emphasized that the Ministry of Defense would support the Ministry of Agriculture in this effort.

Foreign Relations as Minister

In his first 100 days as Minister of Defense, Prabowo visited eight countries to strengthen military ties. He also helped Indonesian defense companies export their products, like aircraft to Senegal and Thailand, and warships to the Philippine Navy.

In August 2024, Prabowo and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new defense agreement to strengthen security ties between their countries.

South China Sea Issues

After Chinese vessels entered Indonesia's waters near the Natuna Islands in 2019, Prabowo called for a careful response, calling China a "friendly nation." He also sent more navy ships to the area. He stated that Indonesia respects the interests of all countries in the South China Sea region.

Relations with the United States

In October 2020, Prabowo visited the United States as Minister of Defense, after a previous ban on his entry was lifted. He worked to convince the US Congress to approve the sale of advanced F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to Indonesia.

Views on the Russo-Ukrainian War

On 3 June 2023, Prabowo suggested a peace plan to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. His plan included a ceasefire, demilitarized zones, and UN votes in disputed areas. Ukraine's defense minister rejected the idea, calling it a "Russian plan." However, China welcomed his efforts. President Jokowi later clarified that Prabowo's plan was a suggestion and not Indonesia's official stance.

In June 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Prabowo to a peace summit. Prabowo said he would discuss it with President Jokowi and other ministers. He also mentioned that for a peace summit to be effective, all parties, especially Russia, should be present.

Gaza-Israel Conflict

During the Israel-Gaza conflict in 2023, Prabowo expressed disappointment with Western countries for not speaking out more about the suffering of civilians. He donated money to the Palestinian people and helped send aid from Indonesia. He also worked to get an Indonesian hospital ship to deliver aid to Palestine.

In June 2024, Prabowo stated Indonesia was ready to send troops to Gaza for a UN peacekeeping mission if needed. He also offered to evacuate and treat up to 1000 wounded Palestinians in Indonesian hospitals. President Jokowi supported his plan to provide medical aid.

Education Initiatives

As Minister of Defense, Prabowo expanded study programs at the Indonesian Defense University, including military medicine and science. He also provided scholarships for students. In 2022, a new branch of the university was opened in East Nusa Tenggara.

In November 2023, Prabowo welcomed 22 Palestinian students to the university, offering them full scholarships in medicine, pharmacy, and engineering. This was part of Indonesia's commitment to support Palestine.

Presidency (2024–present)

The Prabowo–Gibran team won the 2024 Indonesian presidential election with 58.59% of the votes. On 20 October 2024, Prabowo Subianto became the President of Indonesia. At 73 years old, he is the oldest person to become Indonesian president. In his first speech, Prabowo promised to fight corruption and make Indonesia more self-sufficient.

Cabinet and Government

On 21 October 2024, Prabowo announced his Red and White Cabinet, which is the largest ministerial cabinet since 1966. It has 103 members, including 48 ministers and 55 deputy ministers. Some ministers from the previous government stayed in their roles.

On 25 October, he held a military-style training retreat for his cabinet at the Indonesian Military Academy.

Economic Policies

Prabowo's economic ideas are inspired by his father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, who had a focus on national economic strength. His brother, Hashim, said Prabowo's presidency would be a chance to put these ideas into practice.

On 5 November 2024, Prabowo signed a law to cancel bad debts for small and medium businesses. This aims to help these businesses grow and strengthen the national economy.

His plan to raise the value-added tax (VAT) from 11% to 12% caused some debate. However, on 31 December 2024, Prabowo announced that the tax increase would only apply to luxury goods and services, not everyday items.

In January 2025, Prabowo announced he would cut non-essential government spending. He managed to save a large amount of money, which will be used for programs that benefit the people, like the free school lunch program.

On 24 February 2025, Prabowo launched the Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara) sovereign wealth fund. This fund will gather state-owned company assets to seek funding for investments. On 26 February 2025, he launched Indonesia's first bullion bank service to better manage gold mined in the country.

Defense Policies

Prabowo continues the defense policies he started as Minister of Defense. These include modernizing the military, strengthening the Reserve Component, and increasing Indonesia's presence in border areas.

Defense Acquisitions

Prabowo has shown interest in joining the TAI TF Kaan fighter jet project with Turkey. He also met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss buying more military equipment, including additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets and submarines.

Armed Forces Act Reform

Under Prabowo, the government is working to change the Indonesian National Armed Forces Act. This revision has caused some debate because it could allow active military members to take on civilian government roles.

Foreign Policy

Prabowo continues Indonesia's foreign policy of "thousand friends and zero enemies." He aims to make Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy more involved in global affairs. He was the first president-elect to visit other countries before his inauguration, starting with China. As president, his first overseas visit was also to China in November 2024.

South China Sea

In November 2024, Indonesia and China signed an agreement for "joint maritime development" near the Natuna Islands. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry stated that this agreement does not affect Indonesia's sovereignty.

Middle East

Prabowo continues to speak out for Palestinian independence. He proposed a two-state solution to US President Joe Biden to end the Gaza conflict. He also expressed disappointment at a summit of Muslim leaders about the lack of unity among them.

Prabowo stated he is open to normalizing relations with Israel once Palestinian independence is recognized. He believes Palestine's independence is key to lasting peace in the Middle East.

Relations with India

Prabowo was invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebration in 2025. This visit aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. A large Indonesian military group also participated in the parade in New Delhi.

Relations with Russia

On 19 June 2025, Prabowo attended the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and they signed a strategic partnership agreement. Indonesia and Russia also agreed to create a joint investment fund.

Social Programs

Free Nutritious Meals

During his 2024 election campaign, Prabowo promised a free lunch program for children. This program, now called "Free Nutritious Lunch," aims to improve children's health, reduce stunting, and fight poverty. It is part of Indonesia's plan to create a strong future generation by 2045.

The program officially started on 6 January 2025, in 26 provinces. It targets children from preschool to high school, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers.

Health Initiatives

On 10 February 2025, Prabowo's government launched a free health check service. This program aims to improve people's health and reduce deaths from preventable diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

New Capital City

Construction of Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital city, continues under Prabowo's presidency.

Personal Life and Interests

Prabowo married Titiek Suharto, the daughter of President Suharto, in 1983. They separated after Suharto's presidency ended in 1998. They have one son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo, also known as Didit.

Prabowo loves animals. He has a cat named Bobby Kertanegara, who sometimes joins his meetings. He also owns 18 horses at his estate in Jonggol Mountains. He often invites guests to ride his horses.

Prabowo often wears khaki clothes with many pockets, which he finds practical. Besides Indonesian, he speaks the Banyumasan dialect of Javanese. He is also fluent in English, Dutch, French, and German, and knows some Arabic.

Religion

Prabowo identifies as a Muslim with nationalist views. He has stated that he grew up with friends from various Islamic groups. On 13 May 2023, he expressed pride in Islam, seeing it as a pioneer in science. He also feels comfortable with the tolerant teachings of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), a large Islamic organization.

Health

On 30 June 2024, Prabowo announced he had surgery on his left foot. He had injured it twice before, once during paratrooping training in West Germany and again in a combat zone in the 1980s. The surgery was successful.

Honours and Awards

National Honours

As president, Prabowo automatically receives the highest civilian and military awards. He had already received several of these while serving as Minister of Defense.

• Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 1st Class – 2024
• Star of Mahaputera, 1st Class – 2024
• Star of Mahaputera, 2nd Class – 2024
• Star of Merit, 1st Class – 2024
• Star of Humanity – 2024
• Star of Democracy Upholder, 1st Class – 2024
• Star of Budaya Parama Dharma – 2024
• Star of Bhayangkara, 1st Class – 2024
• Guerilla Star – 2024
• Sacred Star – 2024
• Star of Dharma – 2024
• Star of Yudha Dharma, 1st Class – 2022
• Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 1st Class – 2022
• Star of Jalasena, 1st Class – 2022
• Star of Swa Bhuwana Paksa, 1st Class – 2022
• Star of Peace Veteran – 2023

He also received other awards during his time as an Indonesian Army officer:

• Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 2nd Class
• Star of Yudha Dharma, 3rd Class
• Star of Kartika Eka Paksi, 3rd Class
• Military Long Service Medal, 24 Years
• Military Operation Service Medal in Aceh
• Military Instructor Service Medal
• Military Operation Service Medal IX Raksaka Dharma w/ 1 gold star
• Timor Military Campaign Medal w/ 2 gold star
• Role Model Medal

Foreign Honours

Ribbon	Distinction	Country	Date	Reference
	Commander of the National Order of Merit	France	1997
	Knight of the Royal Order of Sahametrei	Cambodia	Unknown
	Grand Cordon of the Order of Military Merit	Jordan	Unknown
	Grand Commander of the Exalted Order of Malacca (Datuk Seri) (DGSM)	Malaysia	26 July 2022
	Distinguished Service Order (Military)	Singapore	21 November 2023
	Collar of the Order of Zayed	United Arab Emirates	13 May 2024
	Grand Collar of the Order of the Sun of Peru	Peru	14 November 2024
	Grand Commander of the Most Esteemed Royal Family Order of Johor (DK I)	Malaysia	27 January 2025
	Member 1st Class of the Most Esteemed Family Order of Laila Utama (Dato Laila Utama) (DK l)	Brunei	14 May 2025
	Grand Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honour	France	29 May 2025

Other Recognitions

In 2009, Prabowo was made a member of the Lumban Tobing clan of the Toba Batak people. In 2011, he received a traditional title from the indigenous people of North Toraja.

He was also recognized as a "Friend of Indonesian Santri" in 2024. On 28 February 2024, President Joko Widodo awarded Prabowo an honorary four-star general rank.

In November 2024, Ukraine's postal service issued a special stamp honoring Prabowo. This was a tribute to him and a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and Ukraine.

See also

In Spanish: Prabowo Subianto para niños

• On the Art of Military Leadership