Jakarta – Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto has promised to appoint Democratic Party chair Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) to a "very important and strategic" position in the next government if he wins the election on Feb. 14.
"If Prabowo and Gibran [Rakabuming Raka] are given the mandate [as president and vice president], I will give AHY a very important and strategic job," Prabowo said on Thursday during a campaign event in Malang, East Java, as quoted by Kompas.com.
He also praised the Democratic Party for supporting his campaign, and praised Democrats founder and former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) for his service to the nation.
"Pak [Mr.] SBY is the best son of Indonesia, he gave his best. He brought success in difficult circumstances, [including] the tsunami in Aceh. It was very important that he brought peace to Aceh province, resolving years of conflict," said the former army general.
Prabowo then referred to Agus as an asset to the nation, expressing his belief that the former Indonesian Military personnel would eventually be appointed to a position at the national level.
"We need the brightest sons and daughters from all regions, tribes, religions and races. We need the best of the nation's young generation to build this country, manage our wealth and eliminate poverty," he said.
Prabowo also promised to secure Indonesia's wealth by managing the country's natural resources, and conveyed his commitment to reducing poverty.
Speaking after the event, Agus told reporters that he and Prabowo had never discussed any future government appointment.
"We are all honored that our candidate, Pak Prabowo Subianto, was present. Not only that, he also expressed his enthusiasm that insyaallah [God willing], Indonesia will be more advanced and prosperous," he said.