Jakarta – Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto has pledged that he will protect tin, white pepper and other mineral resources in Bangka Belitung, and develop the related industries to improve welfare in the province.
He said that the province produces the best white pepper in the world and has the largest tin ore deposit in Indonesia, but unfortunately, the government and the people are not yet benefiting from the resources.
"The world is now overwhelmed with crises because of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, causing fuel and fertilizer scarcities and driving up food prices. But [the government] still manages to protect the interests of Indonesian people. We are determined to improve welfare of all people in the shortest possible time," he said during his campaign in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung, on Thursday, as quoted by the Antara news agency.
He said he would continue President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's policy of not selling the country's mineral resources to other countries at cheap prices.
It was reported that thousands of people greeted Prabowo during his afternoon visit to the city.
"We invited around 3,000 volunteers, cadres and coalition party sympathizers to welcome the arrival of Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo to attend the consolidation of Onward Indonesia," said the head of the Bangka Belitung chapter of Gerindra, Erzaldi Rosman.
He said that at the event, Prabowo was accompanied by National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Zulkifli Hasan.
In addition to expressing his gratitude, Prabowo, in front of his supporters, outlined the vision and mission he would undertake with running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka if elected.
The incumbent defense minister also invited the public to exercise their voting rights on Feb. 14, emphasizing that the voting day will be a crucial moment for the people to determine the direction of the country's future.