Prabowo Subianto granted honorary general rank by President Jokowi

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) shakes hands with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto while officiating the Grand General Soedirman National Defense Central Hospital (RSPPN) in Jakarta, Monday (February 19, 2024). ANTARA PHOTO/Hafidz Mubarak A/Spt/nbl.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), on Wednesday, conferred honorary promotion of four-star general rank to Defense Minister and retired three-star army general Prabowo Subianto.

While attending the 2024 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI)-Indonesian Police joint leadership meeting at the military headquarters here, the president stated that the honorary rank was presented to Prabowo to commend his contribution to the nation's defense and security development.

"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," Jokowi stated.

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While presenting the honorary rank, the president personally took off the three-star general insignia from Prabowo's shoulder and pinned the new four-star insignia. The retired general wore complete military attire, including his military decorations, during the ceremony.

Jokowi also handed over a copy of Presidential Decision No. 13/TNI/2024, which became the legal basis for the honorary promotion, to Prabowo. The presidential decision was signed on February 21, 2024.

"I wish to congratulate Mr. General Prabowo Subianto," the president told Prabowo while bestowing the honorary rank.

With the honorary promotion, Prabowo's title will be "General (Honorary)". He shares the title with other retired military top brass, such as Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Apart from presenting an honorary promotion to Prabowo, the president delivered his instructions to the attending military and police top brass while opening the joint meeting.

Officials attending the meeting were TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, Indonesian Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and the military chiefs of staff. Cabinet ministers and parliamentary leaders were other attendees at the meeting.