Jakarta – Tycoons, former ministers, musicians and lawyers are among the newly announced lineup at the Great Indonesia Movement Party, or Gerindra, which recently reelected former presidential candidate and opposition leader Prabowo Subianto as its chairman for a third term.

Prabowo on Wednesday swore in several prominent new members as party executives.

Gerindra welcomed former Indonesian Military chief Djoko Santoso who will serve as deputy chairman of the party's advisory board, which Prabowo also chairs.

Serving as a member of the advisory board is tycoon Sandiaga Uno.

Gerindra also welcomed former Finance Minister Fuad Bawazier, lawyer Elza Syarief, singer Ahmad Dhani and actor Jamal Mirdad.

Also joining Gerindra's ranks is Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, the half sister of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati, the chief political patron of President Joko Widodo.

In his speech, Prabowo told new members to not only stay faithful to the party but also to the opposition camp the Red-White Coalition, or KMP.

"If the KMP is hurt, all of Gerindra is hurt. Don't be afraid [of becoming an opposition]! Fear only the Almighty God!" he said. "Those who dislike the KMP are those who don't want to see Indonesia strong."

Prabowo said the KMP is not trying to sabotage Joko's administration by criticizing Joko's every policies and moves.

"I have told President Jokowi: Jokowi, after much consideration and deliberation in my heart, you are a true patriot who loves this country and nation," he said.

Prabowo said the KMP will not stand in the way of the government as long as its policies benefit the Indonesian people.

In his speech however, Prabowo was critical towards the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry's plan to privatize four state firms, a move that he said will benefit the rich, without explaining further.

Present at the inauguration ceremony was Golkar Party stalwart Aburizal Bakrie and National Mandate Party (PAN) founder Amien Rais, as well as tycoon Hary Tanoesudibjo, who recently established his own party, Perindo.

Perindo, Prabowo said, will become the latest party to join the KMP. "Welcome, Perindo," he yelled.

Perindo now joins an alliance comprising Gerindra, Golkar, the Democratic Party, PAN, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and the Star Crescent Party (PBB).

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/notable-new-members-sworn-gerindra-execs-prabowo/