16-2-2024 (JAKARTA) A wave of protests has erupted in Jakarta as Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto declared victory in the presidential election. The 72-year-old ex-special forces general announced his triumph on Wednesday, based on preliminary results from government-approved pollsters, marking his third attempt at securing the presidency.
Over 100 demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace in Jakarta, protesting the anticipated victory of Prabowo. Holding yellow cards, blowing whistles, and unfurling a banner reading “save democracy,” the activists voiced their opposition to Prabowo’s presidency.
Non-governmental organisations and Prabowo’s former superiors accuse him of orchestrating the abduction of democracy activists in the 1990s, during the final years of dictator Suharto’s rule. Although Prabowo denies responsibility and was never charged, more than a dozen activists remain missing.
Among those seeking answers is Paian Siahaan, whose son Ucok disappeared during a protest in the last months of Suharto’s rule when Prabowo held a prominent military position. Expressing surprise at Prabowo’s wide-margin victory, Siahaan, aged 77, highlighted the emotional toll on families who now gather for weekly protests.
Maria Catarina Sumarsih, who protests silently each week near the presidential palace, seeks accountability for her son Wawan’s death. Wawan was fatally shot by an army bullet after the fall of Suharto in 1998, but no military leader has been held responsible. Sumarsih called on Prabowo to allow an investigation into his past, emphasizing the potential challenges in prosecuting rights violations if he assumes the presidency.
Analysts note that Prabowo’s popularity surged after a social media-driven image rehabilitation campaign, where he pledged to continue the economic agenda of the outgoing leader Joko Widodo. While final results are expected next month, the official count, still underway, indicates Prabowo’s lead towards a majority win.
The protests underscore the deep-rooted concerns among activists and families of victims about the potential presidency of Prabowo, with unresolved human rights issues from the 1990s casting a shadow over his political ascent.
