Prabowo Subianto assumed the presidency of Indonesia on 20 October 2024, becoming the eighth individual to hold the nation's highest office. His ascent to the presidency followed a career that transitioned from extensive military service within the Special Forces to a multi-year tenure as the country's minister of defence under the administration of Joko Widodo.
Military Service and Special Operations
Born in Jakarta in 1951, Prabowo underwent formal military training at the Indonesian Military Academy, graduating in 1974. His early career focused on the Special Forces command, known as Kopassus. By 1976, he operated in East Timor as a commander within the Nanggala units. He later participated in anti-terror training in Germany alongside Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, subsequently helping to establish the Detasemen 81 anti-terror unit. By 1995, he attained the position of Commander of Kopassus, and in 1998, he served briefly as the Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political Progression
After departing from the military in 1998, Prabowo entered the civilian political landscape. He played a central role in the formation of the Gerindra Party in 2008. His path to the executive branch included multiple electoral contests, specifically bids for the vice presidency in 2009 and the presidency in 2014 and 2019. Despite initial challenges to election results, he eventually joined the government, serving as minister of defence from 2019 until 2024.
Election and Presidency
Following his formal nomination by Gerindra in 2022, Prabowo successfully contested the 2024 presidential election. Early unofficial polling suggested a victory, which the General Election Commission subsequently certified on 20 March 2024. The Constitutional Court affirmed his victory in April, leading to his inauguration later that year. He is noted as the oldest individual to serve as a first-term president in the nation's history.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Jakarta
- Education: Military Academy, The American School in London, Victoria Institution
- President of Indonesia: 2024–present
- Minister of Defence: 2019–2024
- Military Rank: General
- Citizenship: Indonesia
- Religion: Islam
Questions readers ask
What military units did Prabowo lead?
He served as the Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command and the Commander of Kopassus.
Which party did Prabowo help establish?
Prabowo's inner circle established the Gerindra Party in 2008.
Achievements
- Minister of Defence (2019–2024)
- President of Indonesia (from 2024)
- Commander of Army Strategic Reserve Command (1998–1998)
- Commander of Kopassus (1995–1998)
- Royal Family Order of Johor — 2025
- Commander of the National Order of Merit — 1997
- Royal Order of Sahametrei
- Educated at Military Academy and The American School in London
