Jakarta, IO – President-elect Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of political leaders meeting each other to work together and combine their strengths for the nation and the people.
After the 2024 presidential election was won by Prabowo, he expressed his gratitude to NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh who was the first to congratulate him after the quick count results were announced.
“When it was still early, the results were still unofficial based on several quick counts, Mr. Surya Paloh and NasDem were the first to congratulate me,” said Prabowo at Nasdem’s third Congress themed “Synergy to Build the Nation” at the Jakarta Convention Center, Tuesday (27/8) evening.
Prabowo went on to say that even though NasDem supported his rival Anies Baswedan, he did not have a problem with this at all.
“So, I was really appreciative when I was told by Muzani [Gerindra’s secretary general] that Mr. Surya Paloh whom I affectionately call ‘Bearded Brother’ wanted to pay me a visit, I said: ‘Oh really? Alhamdulillah if he wants to join. So, thank you, Mr. Surya. Even though you supported Anies before, it’s okay,” said Prabowo.
What is more important now, according to Prabowo, is for leaders to set aside differences and find a common ground to be united and work together for the greater interests of the nation.
“We should not be afraid of differences. Our nation opted to be a republic, not a kingdom, so they people need to be given choices and need not afraid of difference,” said Prabowo.
“What is more important is for us to unite, work for the Indonesian people. The people need leaders who can unite them. In every contest there are winners and losers.”
In Prabowo’s view, unity is more important because the world currently faces many challenges, such as hunger with many countries facing food crisis, as well as climate change.
Read: Govt to tighten surveillance on foreign arrivals to prevent Mpox outbreak
“The UN predicts that there will be a massive famine on this earth. Many countries will face difficulty producing food. [But here] we are grateful [that we still doing fine],” said Prabowo.
This is one of the reasons that compelled Prabowo and the NasDem party to work together after the heated electoral battle.
“As leaders, after the [electoral] match is over, we must forget all the hurtful words said because in the end it is just that, a match,” he said.