Prabowo Subianto: The tainted ex-military chief who will be Indonesia's new leader

After two failed attempts, Prabowo Subianto has finally clawed his way into Indonesia's ultimate seat of power.

The ex-military general, accused of rights abuses and war crimes during the dark days of the Suharto regime, has triumphed in a modern-day democratic vote.

Gone were the inflammatory, nationalist comments of his previous presidential runs; in the 2024 election he sold himself as a cute grandpa on TikTok, flashing heart signs and doddering around with a viral dance.

It worked for younger voters - a generation poorly informed of the country's past under a military dictatorship. read more