Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in Sunday as president of the world’s third-largest democracy, Indonesia, with the wealthy ex-general accused of rights abuses taking over eight months after a landslide election win.
The 73-year-old fiery nationalist will take an oath at parliament before heading to the presidential palace where Joko Widodo will hand over the reins after a decade in power.
It comes after a landslide first-round majority win in the February vote that critics said was aided by Widodo, more popularly known as Jokowi.
He is accused of activating state resources to help Prabowo and his running mate — Widodo’s eldest son 37-year-old Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Security was heightened across the capital Jakarta ahead of the inauguration, with around 100,000 police and army personnel stationed including riot squads, sniper units and anti-drone teams.
The tight measures were in place with Prabowo expected to be paraded along the streets of Jakarta between the parliament and the palace.
Tens of thousands are expected to line the streets as he becomes Indonesia’s eighth leader after the country achieved independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945.
Several dozen state leaders were expected for the inauguration, with mostly regional politicians expected.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had to cancel his visit as the British royals descended on Sydney.
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