Indonesia’s presidential election has high stakes for US and China and their rivalry
10 months, 1 week ago

Indonesia’s presidential election has high stakes for US and China and their rivalry

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — When Indonesians cast their votes on Wednesday for a new president in one of the world’s biggest elections, the stakes will also be high for the United States and China and their mounting rivalry in the region. The Southeast Asian nation is a key battleground economically and politically in a region where the global powers have long been on a collision course over Taiwan, human rights, U.S. military deployments and Beijing’s aggressive actions in disputed waters, including the South China Sea. It has contributed a lot and now it is very, very active and contributing a lot to our economy.” Former Education Minister and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, a presidential candidate who is trailing Subianto in most independent surveys, said he would shift what he called Widodo’s “transactional” foreign policy to one anchored on principles if he triumphs in the elections. Marty Natalegawa, a respected former Indonesian foreign minister, expressed hope that the elected leaders would not only say “we are not picking sides” but “actually contribute in helping create a more stable U.S.-China relations.” The U.S. and China have both seen how the emergence of a new leader in the region can threaten their interests. Marcos said his decision was aimed at bolstering his country’s territorial defenses at a time of increasing aggression by China’s coast guard, navy and suspected militia forces in Philippine-claimed off-shore areas.

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History of this topic

Indonesia’s Prabowo steers strategic middle path amid China, US rivalry
1 week, 4 days ago

Indonesia’s Prabowo steers strategic middle path amid China, US rivalry

Al Jazeera  

Indonesian President Prabowo heralds new focus on foreign policy, but balancing Beijing and Washington will continue. Analysts tell Al Jazeera that Prabowo’s approach to foreign policy will differ significantly from his predecessor – ex-President Joko Widodo, better known as “Jokowi” – whose term in office was focused more on attracting foreign investment to Indonesia and building export markets, than on …

Indonesia will need to walk a fine line once Trump is back in the White House
1 month ago

Indonesia will need to walk a fine line once Trump is back in the White House

Live Mint  

Indonesia, for decades a natural partner to the US because of similar defence priorities and democratic values, has in recent years drifted more toward China, drawn by its economic support. On his trip, though, Prabowo broke with decades of careful foreign policy by reportedly agreeing to joint development with China in the South China Sea, potentially legitimizing Beijing’s claims to …

Newly inaugurated Indonesian President Subianto visits China in first overseas trip
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Newly inaugurated Indonesian President Subianto visits China in first overseas trip

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged to maintain close ties with China during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Saturday, his first overseas stop since he took office three weeks ago. “Indonesia considers China not only as a great power but as a great civilization,” Subianto said at the meeting, adding that the two countries …

China, Indonesia Hold Historic Summit, Boosting Strategic Cooperation
2 months ago

China, Indonesia Hold Historic Summit, Boosting Strategic Cooperation

China Daily  

Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng's visit to Indonesia marks the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries. During his stay, he met with President Prabowo, President Joko Widodo, and newly inaugurated Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, emphasizing key priorities such as food security and poverty reduction. Han affirmed China's unwavering support for the new government and expressed confidence in Indonesia's continued …

China, Indonesia Hold Historic Summit, Boosting Strategic Cooperation
2 months ago

China, Indonesia Hold Historic Summit, Boosting Strategic Cooperation

China Daily  

Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng's visit to Indonesia marks the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries. During his stay, he met with President Prabowo, President Joko Widodo, and newly inaugurated Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, emphasizing key priorities such as food security and poverty reduction. Han affirmed China's support for the new government and expressed confidence in Indonesia's progress under …

Indonesia's Largest Cabinet Ever Announced: 109 Members to Serve Under Prabowo Subianto
Trending News
2 months ago

Indonesia's Largest Cabinet Ever Announced: 109 Members to Serve Under Prabowo Subianto

The Hindu  

Indonesia's new President Prabowo Subianto announces the largest-ever Cabinet with 109 members, reflecting his pledge for a strong government. The Cabinet features politicians from a coalition of seven parties who supported his victory in the February election and figures allied with his own Cabinet. The move is a political reward to Mr. Widodo for his tacit support in the election.

Prabowo Subianto sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president
2 months ago

Prabowo Subianto sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated Sunday …

Indonesia declares Prabowo Subianto president-elect after court rejects rivals' appeal
8 months ago

Indonesia declares Prabowo Subianto president-elect after court rejects rivals' appeal

The Hindu  

Indonesia's electoral commission formally declared Prabowo Subianto president-elect in a ceremony on Wednesday, after the country's highest court rejected challenges to his landslide victory lodged by two losing presidential candidates. the tough contest, with sometimes heated debates, is over,” Mr. Subianto said during the ceremony, attended by the country's political elite, including rival candidate Anies Baswedan and his running mate …

Indonesia declares Prabowo Subianto president-elect after court rejects rivals’ appeal
8 months ago

Indonesia declares Prabowo Subianto president-elect after court rejects rivals’ appeal

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia’s electoral commission formally declared Prabowo Subianto president-elect in a ceremony on Wednesday, after the country’s highest court rejected challenges to his landslide victory lodged by two losing presidential candidates. the tough contest, with sometimes heated debates, is over,” Subianto said during the ceremony, attended by the country’s political elite, including rival candidate Anies Baswedan and his …

Indonesia: Controversial ex-general Subianto declared President-elect after court rejects rivals' appeal
8 months ago

Indonesia: Controversial ex-general Subianto declared President-elect after court rejects rivals' appeal

India TV News  

Jakarta: Indonesia's election commission on Wednesday officially declared Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto as President-elect after the country's highest court rejected challenges to his landslide win in February's presidential elections by the two losing candidates. “The race has finished.the tough contest, with sometimes heated debates, is over," Subianto said during the ceremony, attended by the country's political elite, including rival candidate …

Biden praises Prime Minister Kishida’s leadership and Japan’s growing international clout
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Biden praises Prime Minister Kishida’s leadership and Japan’s growing international clout

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s “bold” leadership on a series of global crises as he welcomed the Japanese leader to the White House on Wednesday for wide-ranging talks that touched on the delicate security situation in the Pacific, the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and more. Kishida’s official visit, which included a glitzy state …

Indonesian President-elect Subianto visits China in bid to strengthen ties
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Indonesian President-elect Subianto visits China in bid to strengthen ties

Associated Press  

BEIJING — Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto pledged to continue his country’s friendly policy toward China as he met Monday with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Subianto, who will succeed Joko Widodo in October, chose Beijing for his first official visit after his February election victory in a bid to emphasize the countries’ robust ties amid rising tensions in the …

Indonesia elections: Why Prabowo Subianto's win is being challenged
9 months ago

Indonesia elections: Why Prabowo Subianto's win is being challenged

Firstpost  

Indonesia’s electoral commission has announced that Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has been elected as president. However, the results immediately drew allegations of fraud from Subianto’s political rivals Indonesia's defense minister Prabowo Subianto waves at supporters as he delivers a speech after winning the 14 February election in Jakarta, Indonesia. On Wednesday, Indonesia’s defence minister Prabowo Subianto was officially announced as …

Indonesia’s defense minister, accused of abuses under dictatorship, is declared election winner
9 months ago

Indonesia’s defense minister, accused of abuses under dictatorship, is declared election winner

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto was announced the winner of the presidential election in the world’s third-largest democracy Wednesday over two former governors who vow to contest the result in court over alleged irregularities. Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is 37 but became Subianto’s running mate after the Constitutional Court made an exception to the minimum age …

Indonesia’s defense minister announced as country’s next president
9 months ago

Indonesia’s defense minister announced as country’s next president

LA Times  

Prabowo Subianto, seen waving to supporters in this photo from February, was confirmed as the victor of the presidential election held last month. Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto was announced the winner of last month’s presidential election Wednesday over two former governors who have vowed to contest the result in court over alleged irregularities. The two other candidates have alleged …

Indonesia: The road ahead for Prabowo Subianto
9 months, 1 week ago

Indonesia: The road ahead for Prabowo Subianto

Hindustan Times  

Having secured almost 60% of the counted national votes so far, Indonesia’s current defence minister Prabowo Subianto, and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, his running mate and President Jokowi “Joko” Widodo’s son, are set to be declared the winner of the 2024 election in Indonesia. On the domestic front, the road ahead for Prabowo doesn’t seem difficult provided he manages to keep …

Indonesia: Implications of Prabowo Subianto's victory
10 months ago

Indonesia: Implications of Prabowo Subianto's victory

Hindustan Times  

Indonesia, the world’s third largest democracy, conducted its general election on February 14, 2024, with election day designated as a national holiday. Prabowo Subianto, a controversial former general and former son-in-law of long-time authoritarian leader Suharto, seems poised to become Indonesia’s next leader after apparently securing a convincing victory in this week’s election. Prabowo's convincing victory can be attributed in …

Prabowo Subianto: Once banned from the US, this fiery ex-army general is poised to lead Indonesia
10 months ago

Prabowo Subianto: Once banned from the US, this fiery ex-army general is poised to lead Indonesia

CNN  

CNN — He hadn’t yet won enough votes to clinch Indonesia’s presidential election, but with the confidence of a man poised to take power of one of the world’s largest democracies, Prabowo Subianto gave a press conference, half-naked, from his private swimming pool on the outskirts of Jakarta. “Prabowo has worked really hard to whitewash his egregious past and reinvent …

PM Modi congratulates Indonesia’s newly-elected President Prabowo Subianto
10 months ago

PM Modi congratulates Indonesia’s newly-elected President Prabowo Subianto

Live Mint  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the newly elected President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and said that he is looking forward to the strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia. Look forward to working with the new Presidency to further strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia,” PM Modi said. Branded as the “reformed” general, Prabowo Subianto …

How will Prabowo Subianto, an ex-general who’s never held elective office, lead Indonesia?
10 months, 1 week ago

How will Prabowo Subianto, an ex-general who’s never held elective office, lead Indonesia?

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Foreign leaders congratulated Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on his apparent victory in Indonesia’s presidential election, while rights activists called him a threat. “If you think about his actual age, he’s no longer fit, but his dream of running for president several times means there are good things he wants.” CONCERNS AMONG RIGHTS ACTIVISTS Many activists see the …

A strongman at the helm: On Indonesia’s presidential election
10 months, 1 week ago

A strongman at the helm: On Indonesia’s presidential election

The Hindu  

In Indonesia’s presidential election, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, a former general linked to violent actions by the military in East Timor, Aceh, and West Papua, appears likely to emerge victorious after early trends indicated more than 57% of votes in his favour. While full results are not expected for the next few weeks, the “quick counts”, or government-approved polling samples, …

Prabowo Subianto | The ‘reformed’ General
10 months, 1 week ago

Prabowo Subianto | The ‘reformed’ General

The Hindu  

The party started almost a year ago. Two, Mr. Subianto’s popularity this time around leveraged Indonesia’s young electorate, who comprise more than half of Indonesia’s 204 million eligible voters spread across some 17,000 islands. Like other candidates, Mr. Subianto has pledged to expand economic initiatives, increase social security cover, create new jobs, and build the new capital city, but analysts …

Who is Prabowo Subianto, the former general who’s Indonesia’s next president?
10 months, 1 week ago

Who is Prabowo Subianto, the former general who’s Indonesia’s next president?

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A wealthy ex-general with ties to both Indonesia’s popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past looks set to be its next leader. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto presented himself as heir to the immensely popular President Joko Widodo, vowing to continue the modernization agenda that’s brought rapid growth and vaunted Indonesia into the ranks of middle-income countries. A …

Who is Prabowo Subianto, the ex-general claiming to win Indonesia’s presidency?
10 months, 1 week ago

Who is Prabowo Subianto, the ex-general claiming to win Indonesia’s presidency?

LA Times  

Prabowo Subianto, who served as an Indonesian military leader under the brutal Suharto dictatorship, is claiming victory in the presidential vote. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto presented himself as heir to the immensely popular President Joko Widodo, vowing to continue the modernization agenda that’s brought rapid growth and vaunted Indonesia into the ranks of middle-income countries. “This victory must be a …

Prabowo Subianto claims 'victory for all Indonesians' in presidential vote
10 months, 1 week ago

Prabowo Subianto claims 'victory for all Indonesians' in presidential vote

The Hindu  

Former general Prabowo Subianto claimed victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday as preliminary results put him well ahead of his two rivals to lead Southeast Asia's biggest economy. Official results are not due until next month but at least four government-approved groups — making projections based on official early tallying — showed Mr. Subianto winning a clear majority in …

Indonesia presidential election: Subianto claims victory
10 months, 1 week ago

Indonesia presidential election: Subianto claims victory

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A former general linked to past human rights abuses claimed victory Wednesday in Indonesia’s presidential election, a result that would raise questions about the commitment to democratic values in the sprawling island nation that is the world’s third-largest democracy. AP AUDIO: Former general linked to human rights abuses claims victory in Indonesian presidential election. Baswedan opposes Widodo’s …

Indonesia Presidential election: Here’s what it means for US and China I EXPLAINED
10 months, 1 week ago

Indonesia Presidential election: Here’s what it means for US and China I EXPLAINED

India TV News  

Bali: When Indonesians cast their votes on Wednesday for a new president in one of the world’s biggest elections, the stakes will also be high for the United States and China. The Southeast Asian nation is a key battleground economically and politically in a region where the rival global powers have long been on a collision course over Taiwan, human …

A defense minister and 2 former governors are vying for Indonesia’s presidency
10 months, 1 week ago

A defense minister and 2 former governors are vying for Indonesia’s presidency

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian voters on Wednesday were making their choice of who will succeed popular President Joko Widodo, who is serving his second and final term. It is a three-way race for the presidency among current Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo. Subianto, who is widely seen as the front-runner, has …

Indonesians flock to presidential campaign rallies as criticism against the government mounts
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Indonesians flock to presidential campaign rallies as criticism against the government mounts

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Tens of thousands of Indonesians flocked to presidential campaign rallies on Saturday to air their concerns over the state of democracy in the country. President Joko Widodo is facing mounting criticism over his lack of neutrality after he threw his support behind frontrunner Prabowo Subianto, who has picked Widodo’s son as his running mate. “Let the military, …

Indonesian elections: A look into the future
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Indonesian elections: A look into the future

Hindustan Times  

As Indonesia is gearing up for the general elections, the political atmosphere in the country is getting charged up. With Prabowo as the president, Indonesia’s foreign and defence policy is likely to have greater tilt towards a more muscular approach to issues such as the South China Sea dispute and arms procurement. While it is true that compared to Prabowo, …

Indonesia’s 2024 elections and the future foreign policy trajectory
11 months ago

Indonesia’s 2024 elections and the future foreign policy trajectory

Hindustan Times  

The first month of 2024 has already seen three elections in Asian countries--Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Taiwan. In Indonesia, the presidential election is a three-way race between Prabowo Subianto who is an ex-special forces commander and current president Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo’s two-time election opponent-turned-defence minister; Ganjar Pranowo--the former Central Java governor and Anies Baswedan--the former governor of Jakarta. To understand the …

Where Indonesia’s Presidential Candidates Stand on National Defense
1 year ago

Where Indonesia’s Presidential Candidates Stand on National Defense

The Diplomat  

With Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election on the horizon, the three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates have become increasingly active in promoting their visions for Indonesia’s development, including in the defense sector. In general, all candidates share the same view that the government should significantly modernize the Indonesian National Armed Forces, strengthen border and cyber defense, advance the domestic …

Indonesia’s 3 presidential contenders vow peaceful campaigns ahead of next year election
1 year ago

Indonesia’s 3 presidential contenders vow peaceful campaigns ahead of next year election

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia’s three presidential hopefuls vowed a peaceful race on Monday, a day before campaigning for next year’s election officially began as concerns rose their rivalry may sharpen religious and ethnic divides in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy. He also vowed to continue the current president’s development plan, in what the experts view as an attempt to draw on …

Prabowo picks Jokowi’s son as running mate in Indonesia presidential bid
1 year, 2 months ago

Prabowo picks Jokowi’s son as running mate in Indonesia presidential bid

Al Jazeera  

Incumbent defence minister, who is trying a third time for the top job, is marginally ahead in opinion polls. Indonesia’s Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has announced that the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, will be his running mate in next year’s election. The choice of 36-year-old Gibran, who is currently mayor of the central Javan …

Indonesia’s leading presidential hopeful picks Widodo’s son to run for VP in 2024 election
1 year, 2 months ago

Indonesia’s leading presidential hopeful picks Widodo’s son to run for VP in 2024 election

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia’s leading presidential hopeful named outgoing President Joko Widodo’s eldest son as his running mate in next year’s election in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy. “We have had final discussions and by consensus that all of us have agreed to nominate Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka to run as president and vice president in the 2024 election,” …

Exclusive: Philippine defense secretary vows to stand up to ‘bully’ China
1 year, 2 months ago

Exclusive: Philippine defense secretary vows to stand up to ‘bully’ China

CNN  

Manila, Philippines CNN — China is behaving like a schoolyard bully toward smaller countries, the Philippine defense secretary told CNN Friday during an exclusive interview in which he warned his nation, and the wider world, had to stand up to Beijing’s territorial expansion in the South China Sea. “I cannot think of any clearer case of bullying than this,” said …

Myanmar won't be allowed to lead ASEAN in 2026, in blow to generals
1 year, 3 months ago

Myanmar won't be allowed to lead ASEAN in 2026, in blow to generals

The Hindu  

Southeast Asian leaders decided that Myanmar won’t take over the rotating leadership of their regional bloc as scheduled in 2026, Asian diplomats and a leader said on Tuesday, in the latest blow to efforts by its ruling generals to gain international recognition after violently seizing power in 2021. The Philippines agreed to take over the regional bloc’s chairmanship in 2026 …

Indonesian president warns ASEAN 'can't be proxy' of any country
1 year, 5 months ago

Indonesian president warns ASEAN 'can't be proxy' of any country

The Hindu  

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday said ASEAN cannot become a proxy for other countries, as U.S.-China tensions rise over issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Foreign Ministers from the Southeast Asian bloc have gathered in Jakarta for talks about regional issues, from the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety, to the crisis in Myanmar, where …

Is ASEAN at risk of being used by more powerful countries?
1 year, 5 months ago

Is ASEAN at risk of being used by more powerful countries?

Al Jazeera  

Indonesia hosts southeast Asian regional forum with China, Russia and the US attending, too. “We don’t want ASEAN to become a proxy for other countries.” These were the words of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, as foreign ministers from 10 regional countries that are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met in the capital, Jakarta. The arrival of top …

US pushes defense ties with Indonesia as China strengthens
2 years, 1 month ago

US pushes defense ties with Indonesia as China strengthens

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin met his Indonesian counterpart on Monday to push stronger defense ties amid growing Chinese naval activity in the Indo-Pacific region. Austin, at a joint news conference after meeting with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, said they discussed ways to deepen the two countries’ partnership, including through expanding interoperability and increasing investments …

Philippines’ Bongbong Marcos Is Pro-China, Will Hurt Quad’s Aims To Keep Indo-Pacific Free
2 years, 7 months ago

Philippines’ Bongbong Marcos Is Pro-China, Will Hurt Quad’s Aims To Keep Indo-Pacific Free

News 18  

While the US and its European allies scramble to contain Russia in Ukraine, China also has shifted its focus eastwards to expand its sphere of influence. The Quad and AUKUS, which were formed in order to ensure a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific, is on its way to suffering another setback as the Philippines is likely to elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., …

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