Prabowo Invites All Elites to Leave Their Differences

In his speech at the open plenary meeting to determine the selected presidential and vice-presidential candidates by KPU at the KPU Building, Jakarta, Wednesday, Prabowo emphasized that the contestation for the 2024 presidential election has been completed. Now, the people demand all national leaders to work together and collaborate. It requires cooperation from a number of parties to overcome poverty, hunger and corruption in Indonesia.

Therefore, he invites all elites to have the courage to set aside their differences and overcome different feelings. "Only by uniting, working together, will we achieve the aspirations hoped for by our nation," he said.

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In addition, Prabowo-Gibran has emphasized their commitment to being leaders for all groups, including those who did not vote for them in the previous presidential election. They do not want any people to be left behind and not enjoy the fruits of independence.

Furthermore, Prabowo also expressed his gratitude to Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD who also contested in the presidential election. He apologized if there were any inappropriate actions or behaviors. He also thanked President Joko Widodo for his leadership, which ensured the successful running of the election.

Prabowo also expressed gratitude to the election organizers, campaign team, volunteers, and supporters. He also extended his thanks to the press. A free press is an absolute requirement of democracy, he emphasized. "Although sometimes what is reported can be harsh, we still appreciate our press," he said.

The presidential and vice-presidential inauguration meeting was attended by Anies and Muhaimin. "We are here because we want to respect the ongoing national process. The national process has been completed," said Anies.

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Nevertheless, he reminded the existence of notes on election violations revealed in the Constitutional Court (MK) during the disputes hearing of the 2024 Presidential Election results. "Many of these notes are one of the keys to improving the quality of our democracy in the future," he said.

Meanwhile, Ganjar and Mahfud did not attend, claiming that they did not receive an invitation from the KPU. However, both of them still congratulated the appointment of Prabowo-Gibran as the elected president-vice president.

PKB supports

After being declared by the KPU, Prabowo immediately made efforts to embrace all political forces, especially his rivals in the presidential election. Prabowo, accompanied by several Gerindra elites, accepted an invitation from the Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar at the PKB DPP office in Jakarta. After the meeting, PKB declared its support for Prabowo-Gibran.

"PKB and Gerindra as parties that have been working together, both in the parliament and the executive, want to continue working together more productively. Moreover, Mr. Prabowo as the elected president will face various challenging development agendas in the future," said Muhaimin.

Prabowo stated that after a tough competition, national leaders must look ahead. Currently, they are entering a stage where they must work together for the people. He also expressed gratitude because PKB has officially stated its desire to continue working together.

When Prabowo met with Muhaimin, Gibran visited the Muara Baru area to meet with residents while distributing milk. Afterwards, Gibran visited Vice President Ma'ruf Amin at the Vice President's official residence on Diponegoro Street in Jakarta to exchange greetings. Next, on Wednesday night, Prabowo and Gibran had dinner with President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

On Wednesday afternoon, the President reminded Prabowo-Gibran to formulate a plan to realize the promised programs so that they can start working immediately after inauguration.

Meanwhile, regarding other political parties besides PKB that will be embraced, Prabowo did not answer. He also did not respond to rumors that he would communicate with the elite of the United Development Party (PPP).

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Contacted separately, the Chairman of PPP's DPP, Achmad Baidowi, did not deny communication with Gerindra. "The party's stance will be decided in an official forum held in the near future," he said.

At the end of March, Prabowo also met with the Chairman of Nasdem party, Surya Paloh, at the Nasdem Tower in Jakarta. Prabowo also received a visit from the Vice Chairman of the Nasdem party, Ahmad Ali, on Tuesday evening (23/4/2024).

Yesterday afternoon, Surya Paloh received a visit from the President of the Justice and Prosperity Party, Ahmad Syaikhu. During the meeting, the two parties agreed to continue their political cooperation. They are also evaluating the political positions that will be taken during the Prabowo-Gibran administration. Both parties have stated their readiness to be either inside or outside the government if needed.

Head of the Department of Politics and Social Change at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Arya Fernandes, stated that there are six months before Prabowo-Gibran's inauguration in October. This six-month period should be utilized for political consolidation, selecting the right ministers for the cabinet, and ensuring the readiness of implementing the vision, mission, and programs promised during the presidential election. Thus, when the time for taking office arrives, it will not take long to realize the programs.