JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (pic), who took office on Oct 20, said he wouldn’t seek a second five-year term if his administration fails to meet public expectations, setting 2028 as a test for his leadership.
"If in my fourth year of service I am disappointed with my performance, I won’t run. I’d be ashamed,” Prabowo said at a Democratic Party congress late Tuesday (Feb 25). The party is a powerful member of his ruling coalition.
The former general, who will turn 78 in 2029 when the next election is due, has set an aggressive goal of boosting annual growth to about 8% in his first term, from around 5% at the moment.
That would be an economic feat Indonesia hasn’t achieved since before the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998. He has enjoyed high approval ratings in his first few months in office, thanks to a populist agenda including a US$30 billion "free-lunch” programme.
Still, his proposal last week to cut $19 billion in spending led to days of protest, hinting at the challenges his government would face in sustaining public support while maintaining economic stability.
To close a funding gap, Prabowo recently launched a multi-billion-dollar investment vehicle aimed at financing 20 high-impact projects across industries.
Despite his remarks, Prabowo’s Gerindra party this month unanimously endorsed him for a second term.
While Indonesia’s constitution sets a minimum age for presidential candidates, there is no upper cap that would restrict him from running in 2029’s election, and his two immediate predecessors both served two terms apiece. - Bloomberg
