Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasised an expectation-defying economy, low unemployment rate and slew of ambitious social welfare initiatives as he delivered his first state address to parliament on Friday.

The ex-special forces commander took office in October after a campaign to rehabilitate an image tainted by allegations of rights abuses committed during the Suharto dictatorship in the late 1990s.

The 73-year-old populist leader has pledged fast, state-driven growth to transform Southeast Asia's largest country into a major global powerhouse.

But his hallmark schemes, including a free school meal programme to address childhood stunting, have strained state coffers, stoked investor fears and triggered student protests.

In his speech, Prabowo defended his social policies an

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