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Once disgraced, ex-general Prabowo tipped for presidency after makeover
The two-time presidential loser announced on Sunday he will contest the post for the third time in the February election, with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's son as his running mate.
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Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto attended the inaugural working meeting with the DPR's Commission I at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Monday (11/11/2019). A working meeting between the DPR and the Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) discussed the 2020 Ministry of Defense work plan and its budget support. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
Dismissed from the military amid speculation of rights abuses, exiled in Jordan, and banned from travelling to the United States on account of his alleged dark past, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto is now in pole position to be Indonesia's next leader.
The two-time presidential loser announced on Sunday he will contest the post for the third time in the February election, with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's son as his running mate.
"We are ready to move forward for Indonesia," Prabowo told a press conference.
The former special forces commander has undergone a remarkable transformation since being appointed defence minister in 2019, cultivating a persona that is more charismatic statesman than fiery, pious nationalist, analysts say.
The former son-in-law of late strongman president Soeharto, Prabowo is accused of involvement in the kidnapping of student activists in 1998 and rights abuses in Papua and Timor Leste. The allegations are unproven, and Prabowo has always denied any responsibility.
As the 72-year-old gears up for the election campaign, the numbers suggest his rebranding is working.
An opinion poll published by Lembaga Survei Indonesia (LSI) this month showed Prabowo ahead of his two opponents with 34 percent support.
