ANALYSIS: What the New President of the World’s 4th Most Populous Country Brings to the Table?

How will Indonesia’s new president affect trade and Beijing’s influence in the region?

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, the current defence minister, addresses supporters at an event in Jakarta, Indonesia on Feb. 14, 2024. Oscar Siagian/Getty Images

Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto announced his victory for the Feb. 14 presidential election, with early projections indicating a significant lead over competitors with an estimated 58 percent of votes in early counting.

In a victory speech he said, “This victory should be the victory for all Indonesians … we will assemble a government consisting of the best sons and daughters of Indonesia.”