Prabowo’s Childhood and Education
Growing up, Prabowo faced challenges due to his father’s political activism, which forced him to live outside Indonesia starting from third grade. Despite this, his love for Indonesia, instilled by his parents and grandfather, led him to choose the National Military Academy over attending a prestigious American university, despite his academic achievements in high school.
In Jakarta, Prabowo divided his time between his father’s house in Kebayoran Baru and his grandfather’s house in Matraman. His grandfather, R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo, lived next to K.H. Hasyim Asyari, the grandfather of Indonesia’s fourth president, Gus Dur.
Prabowo also spent some time in Switzerland, a decision influenced by political disagreements between Prof. Sumitro and President Sukarno regarding the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI). These disputes led to surveillance of Prof. Sumitro’s overseas residence by intelligence services.
Continuing his education at the American School in London, Prabowo excelled as the captain of the football, debate, and chess teams. He also served as the editor-in-chief of the school magazine. Notably, Prabowo was the only Indonesian student at his school during this time.
