President-elect Prabowo Subianto and Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s evolving friendship has been highlighted by the American magazine Time. They have gone from fierce political rivals to allies, with Prabowo now set to succeed Jokowi.
In an article titled “How President Prabowo Subianto Is Steering Indonesia’s Future”, Time recounted how the two leaders found common ground after the 2019 presidential election. Following the election, Jokowi invited Prabowo to join his cabinet. Initially hesitant, Prabowo eventually accepted the offer to be Indonesia’s Minister of Defense, citing his military background and passion for the defense sector.
“Jokowi is a very good man, and I also want to be like him,” Prabowo told Time with a smile.
Time highlighted Prabowo’s diligence as a minister in Jokowi’s government. He has emerged as a strong candidate to succeed Jokowi while maintaining his own vision for the future.
Prabowo’s policies focus on direct action to improve people’s lives, such as providing free meals for students, fighting corruption by raising civil servant salaries, and leveraging technology like AI. He also aims to make Indonesia a major food exporter in five years through new agricultural techniques and to eradicate poverty within two years.
“I always say we need strength, but that strength must be used for good,” Prabowo concluded.
Time underscores the transformation of Prabowo and Jokowi’s relationship from rivals to partners shaping Indonesia’s future. Source : Time.com
