Indonesia Swears in Prabowo Subianto as The Country’s Eighth President
World Affairs
Why in the News?
Former Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto takes oath as the Eighth President of Indonesia, the world’s third-biggest democracy with the largest economy in Southeast Asia. He announced Indonesia’s largest-ever Cabinet with 109 members representing his pledge for a strong government. He named his Cabinet of ministers, vice ministers and head of national agencies the “Red and White Cabinet”, referring to the colours of Indonesia’s flag.
Indonesia
- Location: Southeast Asia, situated between the Indian and Pacific Ocean.
- It consists of more than 17,000 islands, with five major islands: Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, and New Guinea.
- Capital: Jakarta
- Independence: On 17th August 1945, from Dutch rule.
- Government: Democratic republic with a presidential system.
- President: Prabowo Subianto
- Vice President: Gibran Rakabuming Raka
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- It is a significant exporter of palm oil, rubber and coffee.
- It is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- Official Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
- It is home to over 1,300 ethnic groups. Some of the major ethnic groups include Javanese, Batak, Balinese, Sundanese, Madurese, Acehnese, etc.
Location and Flag of Indonesia |