Prabowo awarded four-star general rank by Jokowi, who fends off talk of a political transaction

“TITLE APPEARS UNNECESSARY”

In August 1998, Mr Prabowo was discharged and dismissed from military service by the Officers Honorary Council (DKP) for, among other reasons, committing criminal acts and offences of a grave nature, noted Mr Made Supriatma, a visiting fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

“The DKP’s decision has never been annulled by equivalent institutions within the Indonesian military. This, undoubtedly, remains a part of Prabowo’s record,” he told CNA.

“The question that needs addressing is whether Indonesian military officers can reconcile with this fact,” he said.

He added that the conferring of the rank is “unnecessary” as Mr Prabowo would have automatically assumed the role of TNI Supreme Commander if elected president. 

“Frankly, the rationale behind awarding him this title is perplexing. Upon thorough examination, the title appears unnecessary and lacks relevance in Prabowo’s case,” said Mr Made.

An honorary general rank is usually given by the government to appreciate commissioned officers who gave up their career after being appointed to civilian public office positions such as cabinet ministers, noted Mr Wasisto Raharjo Jati, a researcher at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency’s (BRIN) Centre for Politics.

Notable figures awarded the rank include Mr Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who is currently Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs, and former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Unlike Mr Prabowo, they were not dismissed from military service due to any violations, observed Mr Made.

Dr Connie Rahakundini Bakrie, a defence and military expert, said as far as she was aware, Indonesia’s Law No.34/2004 on the TNI, which states that there is no promotion for retirees, has not been amended.

“Also as far as I know, there has been no change to Law No. 20/2009, where it is stated that honorary promotions are given only to active soldiers and officers,” she said.

The honorary general award serves to burnish Mr Prabowo’s image and “blur” the chequered aspects of his past, said Mr Arga Pribadi Imawan, a lecturer at Gadjah Mada University. 

“Prabowo’s (image) as a leader is (also) increasingly strengthened, considering that this honorary title was also given to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the sixth president of Indonesia,” he said. 

The promotion is the latest in a series of actions by Mr Widodo that analysts say are aimed at maintaining his political influence after leaving office in October.