Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – President-elect Prabowo Subianto said that being an opposition is not reflective of Indonesian cultural values. Prabowo said opposition in the government is a Western value.
"Don't follow the steps of other cultures, the West loves opposition, fighting, refusing to cooperate," said Prabowo while attending the closing of the 3rd Congress of the NasDem Party at the Jakarta Convention Center, on Tuesday evening, August 27, 2024.
The General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party invited elite party leaders to collaborate and work together to support his government. The parties currently backing Prabowo are part of a grand coalition, the Onward Indonesia Coalition, commonly abbreviated as KIM.
Several political parties have declared joining the government's coalition. Some were even rivals to Prabowo Subianto's KIM during the last presidential election, including NasDem Party, PKB, and Perindo
"Now let's unite, join hands, and work together. PKS, PKB, come and join us. But please don't leave after," said Prabowo.
Prabowo claimed to have heard that other countries are afraid of Indonesia if its elite leaders unite and collaborate. He also said he decided to join President Joko Widodo or Jokowi's government after losing to him twice.
At that time, Prabowo said, he believed he could gain knowledge by joining Jokowi's government. Prabowo mentioned his decision ultimately led him to win the presidential election.
Prabowo also mentioned that elite leaders' collaboration is a true reflection of a republic. According to him, each economically and educationally-abled family in Indonesia must be willing to let one of their offspring serve in the government.
"That's the meaning of a republic. We work, fight, think, and act in order to leave a good reputation for the Indonesian nation," Prabowo said.