Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo formally introduced Prabowo Subianto as his successor on Monday, during the opening ceremony of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali.
Organized by the World Water Council and themed "Water for Shared Prosperity", the largest water-related international event is running from May 18 to 25 in Nusa Dua with participants from more than 70 countries, including scholars, civil society organizations and the private sector.
Among the global leaders in attendance are Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof and Fiji President Wiliame Katonivere, as well as billionaire technology mogul Elon Musk.
In his opening remarks, the President highlighted the importance of countries working together continuously to tackle pressing global water issues.
"Let's preserve our water today for shared prosperity tomorrow," he said.
"And in relation to continuity, in October, my term as president will come to an end. On this good occasion, allow me to introduce president-elect Prabowo, who is currently serving as the defense minister, who will continue Indonesia's commitment to contribute toward world's water management."
Prabowo won the three-horse race in February by an overwhelming 58.6 percent alongside running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi's eldest son, campaigning on a platform of continuity.
Rival candidates Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan both challenged his landslide victory, alleging electoral interference from the Jokowi administration. They claimed that Jokowi had used state resources, including social aid, to sway voters in favor of Prabowo-Gibran in an attempt to maintain his grip on power after leaving office.
Last month, however, the Constitutional Court rejected their claims and upheld the official election results, confirming the Gerindra Party chairman as the winner of the 2024 presidential election and clearing the way for Jokowi to pass the baton to Prabowo in October. (ipa)