Chinese-Indonesian group backs Prabowo as austerity drive bites
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, facing pressure from student-led protests against his austerity measures, has received unexpected support from the Indonesian Chinese Clans Social Association (PSMTI), a major organization representing the country's ethnic Chinese minority. At a Lunar New Year event, PSMTI leaders urged members to support Prabowo's vision for a "Golden Indonesia," his plan to transform the nation into a developed economy by 2045, emphasizing the need for Chinese-Indonesians to maintain national peace amidst economic challenges.
This support marks a significant shift, as Prabowo was previously viewed with suspicion by many Chinese-Indonesians due to his alleged involvement in the suppression of student protests during the 1998 riots. Political scientist Made Supriatma noted that former President Joko Widodo, who defeated Prabowo in past elections, enjoyed almost total support from Chinese-Indonesians, driven by their historical trauma related to Prabowo's alleged role in the 1998 events.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, facing pressure from student-led protests against his austerity measures, has received unexpected support from the Indonesian Chinese Clans Social Association (PSMTI), a major organization representing the country's ethnic Chinese minority. At a Lunar New Year event, PSMTI leaders urged members to support Prabowo's vision for a "Golden Indonesia," his plan to transform the nation into a developed economy by 2045, emphasizing the need for Chinese-Indonesians to maintain national peace amidst economic challenges.
This support marks a significant shift, as Prabowo was previously viewed with suspicion by many Chinese-Indonesians due to his alleged involvement in the suppression of student protests during the 1998 riots. Political scientist Made Supriatma noted that former President Joko Widodo, who defeated Prabowo in past elections, enjoyed almost total support from Chinese-Indonesians, driven by their historical trauma related to Prabowo's alleged role in the 1998 events.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
