Fito Akhmad Erlangga, Jakarta – Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto pledged on Wednesday to follow in President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's footsteps by reconciling with political adversaries after the elections.
Jokowi won the last two presidential elections over Prabowo but he appointed the former rival to a key position as the defense minister at the start of his second term in office.
In his third bid for the presidency, Prabowo has teamed up with Jokowi's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
"In two presidential elections, I competed against Mr. Jokowi and lost. However, after the last election, he invited me to unite for the good of the Indonesian people," Prabowo said during a supporter gathering at the Grand Sudirman Ballroom in Bandung.
Prabowo said he will lead political parties grouping in the Advanced Indonesia Coalition that supports his candidacy to reconcile with all rivals if he wins the election.
"The coalition and I are committed to collaborating across the political spectrum to serve the Indonesian people if I am entrusted with their mandate," he said.
He reiterated his commitment to respecting the presence of an opposition to uphold government checks and balances.
"We welcome those intending to function as an opposition; indeed, we need them for mutual correction," Prabowo said.
He asserted that his team has meticulously planned developmental targets with tangible strategies, moving beyond mere campaign slogans.
Of the three contenders in the February 14 election, Prabowo claimed to be the sole candidate with a robust agenda to continue President Jokowi's legacy. This includes advocating policies like the ban on the export of unprocessed mineral ores, despite opposition from Western nations.
"I and Gibran are the only candidates ready to defend this policy," Prabowo said.