Jakarta — President-elect Prabowo Subianto shared that he has learned much about leadership from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). One of the most significant lessons came when, after winning the presidential elections, Jokowi visited Prabowo, his defeated rival.

Prabowo recalled how, after losing the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections, Jokowi came to his residence to personally invite him to the inauguration.

“Sir, when I lost, you came to my house. The winner came to my home at Kertanegara,” Prabowo said during a major gathering of the Gerindra Party at Indonesia Arena on Saturday, August 31.

Prabowo also shared that his colleagues in other countries were impressed by this gesture, noting that it was extraordinary for a leader to reach out to a rival after an election.

“I want to speak honestly, I want to speak from my heart—this is leadership, this is statesmanship, and this doesn’t happen often elsewhere. When I meet with foreign leaders, they ask, ‘How could it be that after being defeated twice (by Jokowi), you were visited by him?'” he continued.

Prabowo acknowledged before thousands of Gerindra Party members and invited guests that he has learned much about politics from Jokowi, who hails from Solo, Central Java.

“That’s why when it comes to leadership, I’ve learned from someone from Solo. For political matters, go to someone from Solo,” Prabowo said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Prabowo also expressed his admiration for Jokowi’s work ethic, highlighting how the president can conduct up to seven meetings in a single day.

“Mr. Jokowi is an incredible leader, a leader for the people. I see his thoughts are always on work. I don’t know how you do it, Sir—seven meetings a day, that’s extraordinary,” Prabowo remarked.

He even shared a humorous observation about how ministers behave during work visits with Jokowi.

“When he invites the ministers, they’re like, ‘Oh no, I can’t sleep on the plane. Five hours of flying, five hours of discussion.’ When Mr. Jokowi invites them, they find excuses,” Prabowo said.

“If Mr. Jokowi invites them, they say, ‘Excuse me, Sir, but I’ll have to go ahead of you,'” Prabowo added, causing the ministers in attendance to burst into laughter.

Prabowo also recounted a moment with Jokowi when he felt hesitant to eat more because he noticed that Jokowi ate very little.

“So, Mr. Jokowi eats very little. The food is delicious. I want some too, but if the President doesn’t take any, I don’t either,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo expressed his gratitude that, despite having been on different paths in the past, he believes that Jokowi embodies the spirit of nationalism.

“I feel grateful. Although we were once on different sides, I am confident that he (Jokowi) is a true patriot, he loves Indonesia, and he fights for it,” Prabowo concluded. (RR)