Hendro Situmorang, Antara, Bali – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Sunday introduced Prabowo Subianto as his successor during the Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali, where leaders and representatives from African nations gathered.

Prabowo, who will assume the presidency next month, will be joined by Jokowi's son as vice president.

The Indonesia-Africa Forum, held in Badung, Bali, aims to rekindle the "Bandung spirit" of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference, which took place in Bandung, West Java.

"Allow me to take this opportunity to introduce Indonesia's president-elect, Prabowo Subianto," Jokowi announced during his opening speech at a gala dinner welcoming the forum's attendees. "He will be sworn into office next month and will lead Indonesia from then on."

As Jokowi's retirement nears, he has repeatedly expressed his full support and trust in Prabowo to carry forward his legacy.

The day before, at a leadership meeting of Prabowo's Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), Jokowi underlined the close relationship he and his successor have developed, built on mutual respect and understanding.

"I have confidence in the future leadership of Mr. Prabowo Subianto. He will continue the work we have begun, and lead Indonesia towards becoming a developed nation by 2045," Jokowi said at the Gerindra gathering.

The Bali forum also includes a high-level dialogue on multi-stakeholder partnerships, which will run until Tuesday.

Several key cabinet members attended the opening day, including Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi, National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa, and National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

Over the three-day forum, 12 main events and 17 side events will focus on collaborative efforts across various sectors and commitments to sustainable development.

According to Abdul Kadir Jailani, Director General of Asia-Pacific and African Affairs at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the forum is hosting around 1,400 participants, including government officials, business representatives, and academics.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jokowi-introduces-prabowo-as-his-successor-at-indonesiaafrica-foru