Prabowo Subianto was born on October 17, 1951, in Jakarta, Indonesia. He comes from a prominent and politically influential family. His father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was a well-known Indonesian economist. Prabowo married Siti Hediati Suharto, the daughter of former Indonesian president Suharto, and they have one son together.
Prabowo attended the prestigious Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang, where he received his training and education in military tactics and leadership. After graduating, he joined the elite special operations unit of the Indonesian National Army, known as Kopassus.
During his military career, Prabowo rose through the ranks and eventually became a lieutenant general in the Indonesian Armed Forces. He was known for his strong leadership skills and strategic thinking, which earned him the respect of his colleagues and superiors.
Prabowo's foray into politics began when he became affiliated with the Great Indonesia Movement Party. He ran for vice president on the ticket of Megawati Sukarnoputri, but was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he later ran for the Indonesian presidency in 2014, but was once again unsuccessful in his bid for the highest office in the country.
Prabowo's military career was not without controversy. He was widely criticized for his role in the Spring, 1998 Indonesian riots, where Indonesian troops under his command allegedly kidnapped activists and subjected them to torture. These actions raised concerns about his respect for human rights and democratic principles.
In the 2014 Indonesian presidential election, Prabowo faced off against former Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo. Despite a hard-fought campaign, he ultimately lost the election to his opponent, marking another setback in his political career.
Throughout his life, Prabowo Subianto has been a polarizing figure in Indonesian politics. His military background, family ties, and controversial actions have made him a divisive figure among the Indonesian people. Despite his setbacks, he remains active in political affairs and continues to pursue his ambitions in the political arena.
Related links