Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian defence minister, has registered his political party for the 2024 gen...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian defence minister, has registered his political party for the 2024 general elections, indicating what observers believe will be his third attempt at the presidency as one of the nation's most divisive politicians.
In both the 2014 and 2019 elections, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo defeated Prabowo, but as Jokowi is only allowed to serve two terms, competition is heating up to determine who will be the third-largest democracy in the world.
Prabowo, 70, a former son-in-law of the late Suharto of Indonesia, registered his Gerindra party on Monday and declared he would run if one of its members nominated him.
"To dedicate oneself to and serve the people is a sacred duty. If I'm nominated, of course I'll accept it with grace "said he.
Prabowo was denied entry to the United States due to alleged human rights violations while serving as the commander of a military special forces unit, which he has frequently denied.
The United States lifted the ban in 2020 when it was determined that no charges were true.
As a serving cabinet member and without Jokowi in the race, Edbert Gani, an analyst at Indonesia's Center for Strategic and International Studies, believes Prabowo may be a serious contender.
The Jokowi administration is currently invested politically in Prabowo, according to Gani.
"The public perceives a lot closer and win-win relationship between his camp and the current government."
No prospective successor has received Jokowi's express support, and no contenders have openly announced their intention to run for president.
According to recent polls, Prabowo is among the most well-liked candidates, along with Jakarta's governor Anies Baswedan and Central Java's province governor Ganjar Pranowo.
A possible political union between Prabowo and the National Awakening Party (PKB) leader was fuelled by their Monday arrival at the electoral commission.
The largest Islamic organisation in Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama, which has played a significant role in recent elections, supports PKB.
