Categories: Geo PoliticsIndonesia

Despite Rights Issues, the Pentagon plans to Invite the Once-Banned Indonesian Minister

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

The administration of President Donald Trump will welcome Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto to the Pentagon on Friday (Oct 16) after dropping a de facto ban on his entry into the country imposed on allegations of human rights abuses.

Prabowo, a 68-year-old former chief of the special forces, has long been a controversial figure in Indonesia, accused in places like East Timor of involvement in military crimes that have won him scorn among human rights advocates.

But Prabowo, who denies any wrongdoing, has also become a key figure since being named defense minister last year as the Trump administration attempts to deepen defense ties with Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority country in the world. Of particular concern to Washington, Russia and China are also courting Indonesia ‘s military.

In view of this, Prabowo will receive official briefings elsewhere in the Washington DC area as Jakarta weighs the purchase of a fighter jet that has also drawn interest from Moscow. The US State Department ‘s decision to issue him a visa was criticized by Amnesty International and other rights activists, something it had rejected in previous years, including when Prabowo ‘s son graduated from Boston University.

Prabowo has repeatedly denied his involvement, including in Jakarta, East Timor and even West Papua, in any suspected human rights violations. Nevertheless, he has been a major political player, who has twice tried the presidency and could stand again in the years to come

Related Article: https://www.theasianaffairs.com/indonesia/2020/10/10/the-unexpected-prabowo-once-barred-from-the-us-receives-an-official-visit-invitation/

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare
AddThis Website Tools
Noto

Jakarta-based Newswriter for The Asian Affairs. A budding newswriter that always keep track of the latest trends and news that are happening in my country Indonesia.

Recent Posts

J-Pop Icon Aiko Returns With a ‘National Tour’ After 24 Months! What are her Stoppings & Shows?

One of the established and a leading Japanese singer and songwriter, Aiko is known for her blending of modern music…

July 15, 2025

EAFF E-1 2025: China vs Hong Kong! Who will end at the 3rd position?

Today, on 15 July 2025 it is going to be a clash of two equally potent football teams China and…

July 15, 2025

Japan Open 2025: Full Schedule, Indian Players, and Viewing Info

The badminton competition in Japan Open 2025 which is the second event on the BWF World Tour calendar has now…

July 15, 2025

Cal Raleigh Crowned Home Run Derby Champion After Dramatic Night in Atlanta

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was the 2025 winner of the MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night at Atlanta…

July 15, 2025

Korean Actress Kang Seo Ha Dies at Age 31 After Battling Illness

Kang Seo Ha, a South Korean actress passed away yesterday aged 31 and the South Korean entertainment industry is mourning.…

July 15, 2025

Indonesia U23 Squad Finalized for ASEAN U23 Cup 2025 in Jakarta

The Indonesian Football Federation has now officially settled on a 23-man list of competitors who will take part in the…

July 15, 2025