Highlights: Indonesia: the past attributed to future president Subianto worries NGOs. Former son-in-law of the dictator Suharto, and former head of special forces. Accused by human rights NGOs, and by his former officials, of having ordered the kidnapping of pro-democracy activists in the 1990s. Indonesia's key allies must now have tough talks with Prabowo and tell him that a return to political repression will cost him and Indonesia dearly in terms of trade, aid and possible sanctions.

Indonesia: the past attributed to future president Subianto worries NGOs

Since the official announcement of his victory on Wednesday March 20, future Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has received calls and messages from several leaders around the world. His neighbor, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, was the first to congratulate him. Friday, Joe Biden in turn greeted him by telephone. But Mr. Subianto, current defense minister, is a man with a controversial past. This ex-soldier was also deprived of a visa by the United States and Australia for a long time. At issue: several allegations concerning the disappearance of pro-democracy activists. Several NGOs do not hide their concern.

Future Indonesian head of state Prabowo Subianto, in Jakarta on March 20, 2024, shortly after his victory was confirmed by the General Election Commission. AFP - BAY ISMOYO

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in the region,

Juliette Pietraszewski

Former son-in-law of the dictator Suharto, and former head of special forces, Prabowo Subianto was accused by

human rights

NGOs

, and by his former officials, of having ordered the kidnapping of pro-democracy activists in the 1990s.

If the person concerned rejected these accusations and was never prosecuted, certain organizations raise questions about the future of the third largest democracy in the world.

“

Unfortunately, Indonesia

will
be led by someone whose human rights record is controversial, raising concerns about his dedication to justice and accountability

,” said Usman Hamid, director of Amnesty InternationalIndonesia.

An observation shared by Phil Robertson, director of Human Rights Watch Asia. “

Prabowo is a major violator of human rights,”

said the latter, “

who oversaw the forced disappearance of pro-democracy students in Jakarta in 1998 and who led massacres of civilians in

East Timor
as that country struggled to its independence from Indonesia. He belongs in prison for these crimes, not on the red carpet to the Indonesian presidency. Indonesian democracy is about to face the most serious challenge since the overthrow of Suharto. Indonesia's key allies must now have tough talks with Prabowo and tell him that a return to political repression will cost him and Indonesia dearly in terms of trade, aid and even possible sanctions.

Prabowo Subianto is expected to be inaugurated as Indonesia's new president on October 20.

To rereadIndonesia: Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto wins the contested presidential election

Indonesia: the past attributed to future president Subianto worries NGOs

Indonesia: the past attributed to future president Subianto worries NGOs

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