Don’t miss the latest developments in business and finance.

Indonesian president taps election arch-rival for defence minister

Image
AFP Jakarta
Last Updated : Oct 23 2019 | 6:50 PM IST

Indonesian President Joko Widodo Wednesday named his election arch-rival -- a former general accused of abuses -- as defence minister, a move which dismayed human rights activists.

Widodo unveiled his new cabinet at an informal presentation with more than three dozen new ministers in eye-catching batik shirts sat in front of the imposing neoclassical columns of the Merdeka Palace.

Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, beat Prabowo Subianto in April elections to secure another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy.

His victory followed a bitter campaign plagued by mudslinging, fake news online and claims from Subianto that the government staged a "massive, systematic and fraudulent" election, which sparked deadly post-poll riots. At least nine people died in the unrest.

But the pair have since appeared together in public, and this week Subianto, 68, hinted that he and another member of his Gerindra opposition party were tapped for top government posts.

Announcing Subianto's new role, Jokowi said: "I believe I don't have to tell him about his job -- he knows more than I do." Online, Subianto supporters cheered the appointment.

"They used to compete but now, together, they're going to build this country," said one.

"We appreciate Prabowo for being big-hearted enough to be willing to help Jokowi for the progress of the nation."

Also Read

First Published: Oct 23 2019 | 6:50 PM IST

Next Story