Ernest May, the famous Harvard historian, believed that to truly understand political figures, one must look beyond their public persona and examine the formative experiences and inner motivations that shape their decisions. This form of analysis is precisely what the English novelist and essayist Graham Greene masterfully applies in his memoir “Getting to Know the General”, in which he paints a rich and multifaceted portrait of his friend Omar Torrijos, not only as businessman from Panama. Actually leader from 1968 to 1981, but a man Greene came to view as driven by idealism, pragmatism and deeply held beliefs that many outsiders failed to grasp.
Similarly, Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto often finds himself misunderstood. Critics see him through narrow, ill-informed political narratives, but those who truly know him recognize a determined leader deeply committed to his country.
To truly understand Prabowo, we must adopt the type of analyzes employed by Greene and May, going beyond the headlines and simplistic caricatures to uncover the man behind the public image.
Consider some revealing anecdotes. Few journalists covering Indonesia know that the retired general, who served two tours of duty in East Timor early in his career, became close friends with Xanana Gusmo, the very man who led the east resistance – Timorese against him. Once considered enemies during the years of conflict, Gusmo and Prabowo shared a moment of reconciliation at a conference in Jakarta in 2002. Prabowo warmly congratulated Gusmo and the two embraced, a gesture that marked the start of a lasting friendship.
Shortly after the conference, I spoke with Gusmo and was impressed by the respect he had for Prabowo. This respect speaks volumes about Prabowo's behavior during the war, where, according to the soldiers who served alongside him, he conducted himself with integrity. These were not the actions of a man motivated solely by power or violent in nature, but of a man guided. by a compass of personal ethics and national duty.
When President Joko Jokowi Widodo appointed Prabowo as defense minister in his second term, many were surprised. But for those who know the story, this decision made perfect sense. During Jokowi's first term, Prabowo, despite being the opposition leader, refrained from undermining the president. Instead, he remained measured and constructive in his criticism, demonstrating a loyalty that ultimately earned Jokowis' trust. For those who knew him well, he could be trusted to serve as Minister of Defense.
During his years in opposition, I was often a guest at Prabowo's private residence in Jakarta and mountain retreat in Hambalang. At no point did he express bitterness over his defeat in the 2014 elections. Instead, our conversations focused on his concerns for Indonesia's future and his hopes of one day leading the country. But what struck me most was his deep admiration for America and its democratic traditions, an aspect of his character that remains largely unknown to his detractors and which bodes well. good for the future of Indonesian democracy.
These have demonized Prabowo in the past and many always seemed motivated by political expediency and would appear in a presidential campaign with Prabowo on the ballot, only to magically withdraw once the election was over.
Allegations of human rights violations involving Prabowo date back decades. These allegations have often been repeated by the media and the wider public, with few bothering to verify the facts. The simple fact is, and remains, that these allegations have not been proven and he has never been tried or convicted in a court of law. Since definitive legal proof has never been established in a formal court of law, the allegations remain exactly that: allegations.
A prime example is his accusers pointing out his involvement in the kidnappings of university student leaders in 1998, which indeed constitute a dark chapter in Indonesia's history. These kidnappings were carried out on the orders of then-President Suharto, who sought to suppress student protests that ultimately contributed to his downfall. Shortly after, it was before a military tribunal after the fall of Suharto that Prabowo took responsibility for these kidnappings. and that is often where the story ends for its detractors.
But there is another story behind this one. According to those who served under him, Prabowo gave explicit orders that no harm was to be done to the students. In fact, some of these students later became members of Gerindra, his political party. His actions, although under the orders of a regime notorious for its iron fist, were governed by a personal code that sought to minimize damage, a fact that is often overlooked in the political world. the larger narrative.
An even lesser-known incident involved Suharto's desire to have Prabowo's men kidnap Bambang Harymurti, one of Indonesia's most prominent journalists. Harymurti once told me that instead of kidnapping him, Prabowo visited him and promised that he would never be taken away or harmed under his rule. watch. It's a promise he kept.
One of the most interesting aspects of Prabowo's journey is not only his military career but also his formative years. His father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was a revered PhD economist, trained at both the Erasmus School of Economics and Sorbonne University and served as a minister under Presidents Sukarno and Suharto. Sumitro's strong intellect and his positions in high public office instilled in his children a deep sense of civic duty and a commitment to lifelong learning.
When Sumitro clashed with Sukarno in 1957 and was forced into political exile, he took his family with him to Malaysia, Thailand and eventually Europe for an extended period, where young Prabowo would be educated at the prestigious American school in London. .
After spending more than a decade living and studying abroad, Prabowo immersed himself in Western history, culture and traditions; at the same time, he developed a deep understanding of Asia, a trait that would invariably translate into his ability to deal comfortably with leaders from both the East and the West.
Prabowo Subianto harbors ambitions to elevate Indonesia's global standing, an ambition that reflects his strategic vision for the country. His proactive approach to foreign policy, demonstrated by meetings with leaders from the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the United States even before taking office, indicates his intention to strengthen the presence diplomacy and geopolitics of Indonesia.
Unlike many of his predecessors, Prabowo's worldliness acquired through his extensive experience in the military and political spheres would play a key role in shaping his foreign policy. His understanding of global dynamics and cultural sophistication positions him to navigate complex international relationships and strengthen Indonesia's influence on the global stage.
At the national level, Prabowo also has big ambitions. He has previously championed a wide range of social welfare policies aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Indonesians. His plans to provide free meals to schoolchildren across the country, build public housing for 15 million families and improve the country's education system are initiatives designed to combat inequality and uplift the most vulnerable. These programs align with Prabowo's vision of a more equitable Indonesia, where economic development goes hand in hand with social progress.
None of these initiatives should surprise those who know his background. Prabowo's father was a member of the Indonesian Socialist Party, and his years of study in Europe resulted in a close affinity with democratic socialism. In my private conversations with him and hearing his speeches, his beliefs about social justice and equity were clear. Unlike the majority of Indonesian politicians I have observed over the past three decades, Prabowo is a leader who talks less about personal gain and more about the future of his country.
Understanding Prabowo Subianto requires looking beyond the headlines and sensationalist narratives. His reconciliation with former adversaries, his loyalty to political leaders and his commitment to Indonesia's development reflect a figure shaped by both personal values and strategic vision. As Indonesia faces new challenges, Prabowo's military, political and global experiences offer a unique perspective that can guide the country toward progress, both domestically and internationally.