Ernest May, the renowned Harvard historian, believed that truly understanding political figures requires looking beyond their public personas and examining the formative experiences and inner motivations that shape their decisions. This form of analysis is precisely what the English novelist and essayist Graham Greene masterfully applies in his memoir “Getting to Know the General,” where he paints a rich, multifaceted portrait of his friend Omar Torrijos – not merely as Panama’s de facto leader from 1968 to 1981, but a man Greene had come to see as being driven by idealism, pragmatism, and deeply-held convictions that many outsiders failed to grasp.
In much the same way, Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto often finds himself misunderstood. Critics view him through narrow and misinformed political narratives, yet those who truly know him recognize a determined leader with a profound commitment to his country.
To truly understand Prabowo, we must adopt the kind of analyses employed by Greene and May – stepping beyond headlines and simplistic caricatures to uncover the man behind the public image.
Consider some telling anecdotes. Few journalists covering Indonesia are aware the retired general, who served two tours of duty in East Timor early in his career, became a close friend of Xanana Gusmão, the very man who led the East Timorese resistance against him. Once seen as nemeses during the conflict years, Gusmão and Prabowo shared a moment of reconciliation on a conference stage in Jakarta in 2002. Prabowo warmly praised Gusmão, and the two embraced, a gesture that marked the beginning of a lasting friendship.
Shortly after the conference I spoke with Gusmão, and I was impressed by the respect he had for Prabowo. This respect spoke volumes about Prabowo’s behavior during the war, where, according to soldiers who served alongside him, he had conducted himself with integrity. These were not the actions of a man motivated solely by power or of a violent nature, but of one guided by a compass of personal ethics and national duty.
When President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo appointed Prabowo as minister of defense in his second term, many were surprised. But for those familiar with the backstory, this move made perfect sense. During Jokowi’s first term, Prabowo, despite being the opposition leader, refrained from undermining the president. Instead, he remained measured and constructive in his criticism, demonstrating a loyalty that ultimately earned Jokowi’s trust. That he could be trusted to serve as minister of defense was, to those who knew him well, never in doubt.
During his years in opposition I was often invited to Prabowo’s private residence in Jakarta and mountain retreat in Hambalang. Never once did he express bitterness about losing the 2014 election. Instead, our conversations centered on his concerns for Indonesia’s future and his hopes of eventually leading the country. But what struck me most was his deep admiration for America and its democratic traditions – an aspect of his character that remains largely unknown to his critics and which bodes well for the future of Indonesia’s democracy.
Those have demonized Prabowo in the past – and there were many – always seemed to be driven by political opportunism and appear when there was a presidential campaign with Prabowo on the ballot, only to magically retreat after the elections were concluded.
Allegations of human rights abuses involving Prabowo date back decades. These allegations have often been repeated by the media and within the broader court of public opinion, with few bothering to verify the facts. The simple fact is, and remains, that these allegations were neither proven nor was he ever tried or convicted in a court of law. As definitive legal proof has never been established in a formal court setting, the allegations remain exactly that: allegations.
A prime example is his accusers pointing to his involvement in the 1998 kidnappings of university student leaders, which was indeed a dark chapter in Indonesia’s history. These kidnappings were carried out under orders from then-president Suharto, who sought to suppress the student protests that ultimately contributed to his downfall. Not long after, it was before a military tribunal after the fall of Suharto that Prabowo took command responsibility for those kidnappings – and this is often where the story stops for his detractors.
But there is another story behind this one. According to those who served under him, Prabowo gave explicit orders that no harm was to come to the students. In fact, some of these students later became members of Gerindra, his political party. His actions, while under orders from a regime notorious for its iron grip, were governed by a personal code that sought to minimize harm – a fact that is often overlooked in the broader narrative.
An even lesser-known incident involves Suharto’s desire to have Prabowo’s men kidnap Bambang Harymurti, one of Indonesia’s more prominent journalists. Harymurti once told me that instead of kidnapping him, Prabowo paid him a visit and promised he would never be taken or harmed under his watch. It was a promise he kept.
One of the more interesting aspects of Prabowo’s background is not only his military career but also his formative years. His father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was a revered PhD economist educated at both the Erasmus School of Economics and Sorbonne University and served as a minister under presidents Sukarno and Suharto. Sumitro’s strong intellect and holding positions in higher public office instilled in his children a deep sense of civic duty and a commitment to lifelong learning.
When Sumitro ran afoul of Sukarno in 1957 and was forced into political exile he brought his family along with him to Malaysia, Thailand, and eventually to Europe for an extended time, which is where the young Prabowo would be educated in the prestigious American School in London.
Having spent more than a decade living and studying overseas, Prabowo became steeped in Western history, culture, and traditions; at the same time, he developed a keen understanding of Asia, a trait which will invariably translate into his being able to deal comfortably with leaders coming from the East and West alike.
Prabowo Subianto harbors an ambition to elevate Indonesia’s global standing, an ambition that reflects his strategic vision for the country. His proactive foreign policy approach, demonstrated by meetings with leaders from the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the United States even before taking office, indicates his intent to strengthen Indonesia’s diplomatic and geopolitical presence.
Unlike many of his predecessors, Prabowo’s worldliness – gained through his extensive experience in both military and political spheres – will play a key role in shaping his foreign policy. His understanding of global dynamics and cultural sophistication positions him to navigate complex international relations and enhance Indonesia’s influence on the world stage.
Domestically, Prabowo has big ambitions as well. He has already championed a wide range of social welfare policies aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Indonesians. His plans to provide free lunches for school children nationwide, build public housing for 15 million families and enhance the country’s education system are initiatives designed to address inequality and uplift the most vulnerable. These programs align with Prabowo’s vision of a more equitable Indonesia, where economic development goes hand-in-hand with social progress.
None of these initiatives should come as a surprise to those familiar with his background. Prabowo’s father was a member of the Indonesian Socialist Party, and his years of education in Europe translated into a close affinity with democratic socialism. During my private conversations with him and hearing his speeches, his beliefs in social justice and equity rang through clear. In stark contrast to the majority of Indonesian politicians I have watched over the past three decades, Prabowo is a leader who speaks less about personal gain and more about his country’s future.
Understanding Prabowo Subianto requires looking beyond the headlines and sensationalized narratives. His reconciliation with former adversaries, loyalty to political leaders and commitment to Indonesia’s development reflect a figure shaped by both personal values and strategic insight. As Indonesia faces new challenges, Prabowo’s military, political and global experiences offer a unique perspective that may guide the country toward progress, both domestically and internationally.