Jakarta, 20 October 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Former general Prabowo Subianto on Sunday was sworn in as Indonesia's president, marking the start of a new administration in South-East Asia's largest nation. 

Prabowo, who has pledged to bolster the country's economy and military strength, was sworn in alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 37-year-old eldest son of outgoing president Joko Widodo - popularly known as Jokowi.

Gibran took the vice-presidential oath following a controversial court ruling that cleared the way for his candidacy.

In his inaugural address, Prabowo stressed the importance of national unity and inclusiveness, pledging to represent the interests of all Indonesians regardless of their political affiliations.

"With full responsibility and all the strength of our soul and body, we will lead the Republic of Indonesia with sincerity, prioritizing the interests of all citizens," Prabowo said.

"We will serve not only those who voted for us but also those who did not," he said. "The interests of the Indonesian people will be placed above all else, beyond any group or personal ambitions."

One of Prabowo's key electoral promises was the launch of a free school lunch programme, set to begin in January 2025, which will cost an estimated $53 million per day.

The ambitious project has drawn scrutiny over its sustainability, with experts warning that it could strain the country's budget.

Prabowo is a former son-in-law of the late dictator Suharto, who was accused of human rights violations under his 32-year authoritarian rule which ended in 1998.

Prabowo's background, coupled with his tenure as defence minister in Jokowi's Cabinet, has raised expectations of greater military influence on civilian affairs, triggering concerns of a potential erosion of Indonesia's democracy. 

Prabowo's administration is expected to focus on bolstering Indonesia's military capabilities, with significant investments in defence. 

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which won the most parliamentary seats earlier this year, recently signalled its backing for Prabowo's government.

The move raises the possibility of a parliament with no opposition. The other seven political parties that won parliamentary seats have formed a coalition to support Prabowo. 

Prabowo has dismissed these concerns. In recent months, he has argued that "an opposition is a Western concept" and that Indonesia should focus on unity and collaboration.