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The US government has announced it will work with newly elected Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto despite a previous travel ban due to alleged human rights violations.
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The 72-year-old former military general has already claimed victory in the Indonesian presidential elections after securing more than 60 per cent of an unofficial count conducted in the country on 14 February.
Subianto, set to become Indonesia’s oldest leader, is supported by vice-presidential running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Subianto also previously served as minister of defense for President Widodo.
“We did say we would wait for the results to come in. It does appear that he’s received the most votes, but I don’t want to get ahead of the process that still needs to unfold, the official process in Indonesia,” said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on 14 February.
“We are committed to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Indonesia that we have had, and of course our 75-year diplomatic relationship with Indonesia, and we are prepared to work with whoever the Indonesian people choose as their democratically elected leader, whether it’s Subianto or – as it appears to be, President Subianto.”
Subianto, former commander-general of the Special Forces Command (Kopassus), was involved in a number of military operations in Indonesia, West Papua, and East Timor. These operations allegedly involved kidnapping and/or torturing of activists and other violations of human rights. He has denied the allegations and his ban regarding travel to the US was lifted in 2020.
He also ran for election in 2014 and 2019 against then president Widodo; losing both times.
“I express my highest appreciation for your sacrifice and presence this afternoon,” Subianto said during an election rally earlier this week.
“You have come from far away, from various regions in Indonesia. You come because you believe, because you are of the same mind and agree with what we are fighting for.
“God willing, if we are given a mandate by the people, we will lead and defend all Indonesian people. We will fight to eliminate poverty from Indonesia.
“We are fighting to bring prosperity to all people, we will continue and perfect what has been built by previous presidents.
“Give us strength so that we are strong in accepting the mandate from the Indonesian people, so that we have the ability, wisdom, intelligence, courage, honesty and sincerity to protect and provide prosperity for the Indonesian people.
“Give us the strength to maintain loyalty only to the nation and people of Indonesia.”
