JAKARTA (ANN/JAKARTA POST) – In a ceremony at the Indonesian Military (TNI) headquarters in East Jakarta, President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, conferred the title of honorary four-star general to Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto.
The event took place during an executive meeting of the TNI and the National Police.
Expressing appreciation for Prabowo’s dedicated service to the nation, President Jokowi emphasised the significance of the honorary rank as a testament to Prabowo’s contributions.
The promotion, in line with the 2009 TNI Law, followed a recommendation from TNI commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto.
The special promotion to four-star general was also granted to other distinguished military figures, including former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief AM Hendropriyono, and Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
Prabowo’s promotion, however, has sparked criticism from human rights activists who point to his dismissal from the military in 1998 for his alleged role in the abduction of pro-democracy activists.
Despite concerns, Jokowi defended the decision, stating that similar honorary ranks have been bestowed upon other former TNI officers.
President Jokowi dismissed any speculation of political transactions, asserting that if such motives were at play, the promotion would have occurred before the election. The move is seen by some as an attempt to counter assumptions and maintain transparency.
Prabowo, who recently contested the 2024 general election, is currently projected to emerge victorious, as indicated by unofficial results from reputable pollsters.
