Foreign leaders have congratulated Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on his apparent victory in Indonesia’s presidential election, while rights activists called him a threatJAKARTA, Indonesia -- Foreign leaders congratulated Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on his apparent victory in Indonesia's presidential election, while rights activists called him a threat. If an official count conducted over the next few weeks confirms his victory, he'll take office in November. Subianto chose Widodo's son as his running mate and earned tacit support from the outgoing leader. Josteka Banjarnahor, a resident of Jakarta who voted for Subianto, said his long pursuit of the presidency indicates his sincerity. The United States and Australia banned Subianto’s entry for years due to his human rights record, but in 2020 he traveled as Widodo’s defense minister to the U.S. to meet his American counterpart, Mark Esper.

Source: ABC News February 16, 2024 13:56 UTC