Talk to Al Jazeera - Prabowo Subianto: 'The people are fed up'

Summary

In an interview with Al Jazeera, former General Prabowo Subianto, a candidate for the Indonesian presidency, discusses his vision for the country and addresses allegations from his military past. Known for his leadership of the Special Forces, or Kopassus, he now focuses on populist policies, aiming to tackle issues such as corruption and the fraudulent voting system. Despite being banned from entering the US due to accusations of human rights abuses, Subianto maintains his innocence and emphasizes the importance of strong leadership with integrity. He speaks on the need for good governance, transparency, and a commitment to improving the lives of all Indonesians, including the poor and marginalized. Subianto also touches on the economic challenges Indonesia faces, including a growing trade deficit and the necessity for the military to remain non-political while serving the people.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The former General Prabowo Subianto, known for his past as the head of Indonesia's Special Forces (Kopassus), is running for president on populist policies and is currently leading in surveys.
• 🌍 Despite his military background, Prabowo has positioned himself as a populist leader, aiming to address the needs of the Indonesian people and promising good governance.
• 🚫 The US government has banned Prabowo from entering the country due to accusations of overseeing human rights abuses, including forced disappearances and torture.
• 🤝 Prabowo emphasizes the importance of strong leadership, integrity, and love for the people, citing a retired Indonesian political leader's advice on leadership.
• 👥 He acknowledges the presence of 'clicks' or factions within the military and society but believes that the will of the people will ultimately prevail.
• 📉 Prabowo expresses concern about Indonesia's economic direction, mentioning a growing trade deficit, high poverty rates, and the need for good governance to address these issues.
• 🏛️ He advocates for civilian supremacy and the withdrawal of the military from politics, stating that the military's role should be as a servant to the state and the people.
• ⚖️ Prabowo supports the idea of justice for all, including victims of past human rights abuses, and suggests that a process of truth and reconciliation could be beneficial.
• 💼 He considers economic prosperity and good governance as key to solving many of Indonesia's problems, promoting the country as a potential new engine of growth for the world.
• 🤔 Prabowo addresses the issue of religious intolerance, stating the need to protect all minorities and maintain firm stances on human rights.
• 🌱 He highlights the importance of providing basic services and justice in every province of Indonesia, including remote areas like Papua, to ensure a good quality of life for all citizens.

Q & A

Who is the man behind armed guards in a secluded Hillside estate?

The man is former General Subbiano, who wants to be the next leader of Indonesia.

What is General Subbiano's past military affiliation?

General Subbiano was once the head of Indonesia's notorious Special Forces, known as Kopassus.

Why has the US government banned General Subbiano from entering the country?

The US government has banned him due to accusations of overseeing forced disappearances of activists and torture of pro-independence fighters in East Timor.

What does General Subbiano believe is the essence of leadership?

General Subbiano believes the essence of leadership is to love your people and use common sense.

What is General Subbiano's stance on the role of the military in a democracy?

He believes the military should be a servant of the state and the people, without a political function, and should only intervene in civilian government in cases of necessity.

What does General Subbiano think about the current state of democracy in Indonesia?

He believes there is a new awareness of proper political process, but there is still a hijacking of democracy through fraudulent voting lists and vote buying.

How does General Subbiano respond to allegations of wrongdoing in his past?

He denies the accusations and states that such charges are part of the risks of being a high-profile figure in the military.

What is the current economic situation in Indonesia that concerns General Subbiano?

He is worried about the country having a trade deficit, importing more than it exports, and having a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.

What does General Subbiano believe is the key to solving Indonesia's problems?

He believes that good governance and clean management are key to solving most of the country's problems.

How does General Subbiano view the importance of consensus building in politics?

He views consensus building as very important, as it is necessary to work through Parliament and to deliver on promises.

What is General Subbiano's vision for Indonesia's future?

He envisions Indonesia as the next growth area and a new engine of growth for the world, with a focus on good governance and clean management.