Former Army Chief, Prabowo Subianto has been sworn in on Sunday as President of Indonesia.
The 73-year-old fiery nationalist—accused of human rights abuses during his time in the military—took the oath in parliament to officially succeed outgoing leader Joko Widodo.
Prabowo has committed to Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy but has indicated he will be bolder on the world stage.
He inherits Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s largest nickel reserves, leading a country of 280 million people, about half of whom are under the age of 30.
Prabowo won by a first-round landslide in the February election, helped by the support of his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 37-year-old son of Widodo, and bold campaign promises, including a $28 billion free meal plan for children.
Speaking to lawmakers, he said he will preside over a “peaceful democracy,” adhering to a “good neighbour” policy, and stated there was still too much corruption “at all levels” before concluding his speech with shouts of “freedom!”
Prabowo then drove from parliament to the presidential palace in Jakarta, shaking hands with supporters from the roof of his car along the way.
