President Joko Widodo Confers Honorary Four-Star General Rank to Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: In a ceremony at the military headquarters during the 2024 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI)-Indonesian Police joint leadership meeting, President Joko Widodo honored Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto with an honorary promotion to the four-star general rank on Wednesday.

The president, attending the leadership meeting, commended Prabowo for his significant contributions to the nation’s defense and security development, stating, “I wish to hand over the special promotion of honorary General to Mr. Prabowo Subianto. This honorary promotion is to commend (Prabowo’s contribution) and to affirm his commitment to working for the people, the nation, and the country.”

During the ceremony, President Jokowi personally removed the three-star general insignia from Prabowo’s shoulder and pinned the new four-star insignia. Prabowo, dressed in complete military attire, including his military decorations, received the honorary rank in recognition of his dedicated service.

President Jokowi handed over a copy of Presidential Decision No. 13/TNI/2024, signed on February 21, 2024, which serves as the legal basis for the honorary promotion. Congratulating Prabowo, the president stated, “I wish to congratulate Mr. General Prabowo Subianto.”

With this honorary promotion, Prabowo’s title becomes “General (Honorary),” aligning him with other retired military top brass, including Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

In addition to conferring the honorary promotion, President Jokowi delivered instructions to the military and police top brass in attendance, which included TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, Indonesian Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and military chiefs of staff. The meeting was also attended by cabinet ministers and parliamentary leaders.