Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto keen on BrahMos purchase; emulating India's mid-day meal scheme for schools

The emergence of Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto as the next president augurs well for Jakarta’s strategic partnership with New Delhi, given that he has shown keen interest in India’s defence capabilities and social security schemes, according to experts.

Subianto had contested the presidential polls in 2014 and 2019, but never won. This time round, the 72-year-old former Special Forces commander has cornered enough votes to be sworn in as the next President of Indonesia.

The army veteran has been a votary of strong ties with maritime neighbour India, and has been keen to purchase BrahMos missiles for the country.


In 2020, notwithstanding the Covid-19 pandemic, Subianto flew to India to meet his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, eyeing expansion of defence partnership, sources said.

The two again met last year in Jakarta on the sidelines of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus). They took stock of the bilateral defence relationship and re-committed to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain. The ministers also reviewed the regular exchanges in the form of training, staff talks and exercises, and discussed avenues for promotion of defence industry collaboration.

Under Subianto, Indonesia could be the second country after the Philippines to purchase BrahMos missiles, jointly produced by India and Russia. India and Indonesia have already held discussions on supply of BrahMos missiles.

Subianto is also keen to emulate India's mid-day meals scheme and its school milk programme. This was a key item on his campaign agenda. Subianto has often expressed interest in working closely with India during his conversations with Indian officials and ministers, ET has learnt.

Subianto's brother, Hashim, a prominent Indonesian businessman, has business links in India, ET has learnt.

In private circles, Subianto is known to have often referred to building alliances within Asia, including with India, amid accusations of human rights violations against him.

Subianto’s running mate is Gibran Rakabuming Raka, son of incumbent President Jokowi, who will step down after two terms in office in accordance with the Constitution.

“We should not be arrogant, we should not be proud, we should not be euphoric, we still have to be humble, this victory must be a victory for all Indonesian people,” Subianto said in a speech broadcast on national television following the initial results.

Jokowi’s support and popularity have played a key role in shaping Subianto’s victory, and it is expected that Subianto will continue with several Jokowi era projects.