Indonesia’s Democracy Is Stronger Than a Strongman
Foreign AffairsJAN 2024
Indonesia: Subianto Claims Victory in Presidential Election
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The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Gen. Prabowo Subianto, a longtime US protégé who managed to gain support from his country's political elites ahead of this presidential race, has long expressed support for authoritarian military rule. Therefore, his likely election victory represents nothing but the end of democracy in Indonesia.
Pro-establishment narrative
Prabowo Subianto indeed has a troubled record regarding human rights and his own short temper but sensationalism over his possible presidency is unfounded. Those supporting his presidential bid are not discontent with democracy — quite the contrary. In fact, Subianto represents continuity and an implicit faith in democratic institutions.