Prabowo takes office as president, pledging to serve all Indonesians

He says his govt will work to improve lives across South-east Asia’s largest economy

- Hariz Baharudin

JAKARTA Mr Prabowo Subianto took office as Indonesia's eighth president on Oct 20, promising to improve the lives of his fellow citizens across the archipelago.

In a wide-ranging inaugural speech after his swearing-in ceremony at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in Jakarta, Mr Prabowo said he and his Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will serve all Indonesians.

"With a full sense of responsibility and with all the strength in our souls and bodies, we will carry out the leadership of Indonesia... by prioritising the interests of all Indonesian people, including those who did not vote for us," he said.

Many people still live with difficulties in the country, said Mr Prabowo, adding that his administration will work to improve the lives of Indonesians across South-east Asia's largest economy.

The former defence minister takes over from Mr Joko Widodo, whose son Gibran, 37, was fielded as Mr Prabowo's running mate in the Feb 14 election and was sworn in as vice-president at the same ceremony. Hopes are high that the transition will usher in another period of political stability, and continue to raise the archipelago's standing on the world stage.

Clad in a blue traditional Javanese outfit, Mr Prabowo, 73, recited his oath of office with a copy of the Quran held over his head.

"By God, I swear to carry out my duties as president of the Republic of Indonesia as best and as justly as I can, upholding the Constitution, the laws and the regulations of the republic," he said.

He then embraced Mr Widodo, 63, and both men exchanged seats at the front of the hall to applause from the attendees.