Jakarta, IO – Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto received the honorary 4-star general rank from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, conferred on the sidelines of the TNI-Polri Leadership Meeting (Rapim) at Ahmad Yani Sports Center, TNI Headquarters, Jakarta, Wednesday (28/2).
“This award is a form of appreciation as well as confirmation of great dedication and service to the people, the nation and the state. I congratulate Mr. General Prabowo Subianto,” said Jokowi.
Jokowi conferred a special promotion to Prabowo in accordance with Presidential Decree 13/TNI/2024 dated February 21, 2024 and Law 20/2009 on special appointments or promotions.
In 2022, Prabowo also received four high military decorations, namely Bintang Yudha Dharma Utama, Bintang Kartika Eka Paksi Utama, Bintang Jalasena Utama and Bintang Swa Buwana Paksa Utama for his immense contributions to the development of the defense sector, the advancement of the national armed forces (TNI) and the progress of the country as a whole.
Jokowi said the award has been verified by the Degrees, Merits and Honors Council and duly proposed by the TNI commander in accordance with Law 20/2009.
During his military career, Prabowo held a number of strategic positions, including as commander of the Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus) and the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad).
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His achievements include Operation Mapenduma in 1996 where as Kopassus commander he successfully rescued foreign wildlife researchers held hostage by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) separatists.
In 1997, he brought fame to Indonesia by initiating the mountaineering expedition to unfurl the national Red-and-White flag at the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain. Prabowo entrusted the life-risking mission to Master Sergeant (Ret.) Asmujino and Brig. Gen. Iwan Setiawan. The team managed to conquer the Everest and elevate Indonesia’s global stature.