Jakarta — President-elect Prabowo Subianto (2024-2029) emphasized the importance of political leaders coming together to unite their strengths for the benefit of the Indonesian people and the nation.

After winning the 2024 presidential election, Prabowo expressed his gratitude to Surya Paloh, Chairman of the National Democrat Party (NasDem), who was one of the first to congratulate him following the quick count results.

“Back then, during the early stages when it wasn’t official yet, during the quick count, Mr. Surya Paloh and NasDem were among the first to congratulate me,” Prabowo said at the NasDem Party’s 3rd Congress titled “Synergy to Build the Nation” at the Jakarta Convention Center on Tuesday night, August 27.

Despite NasDem having supported Anies Baswedan, Prabowo’s political rival in the 2024 presidential race, Prabowo made it clear that he had no issue with this.

“So, I greatly appreciate it when Mr. Surya Paloh informed Muzani. Excuse me, Mr. Surya, sometimes referred to as ‘Brewok’ (Beard), wanted to come. Oh really? You want to join us? Alhamdulillah. Thank you, really Mr. Surya? When you came to me, I was grateful, it’s okay that you supported Anies before, no problem,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo stressed that differences should not be feared, as the most important thing now is for political leaders to find common ground, work together, and move past any existing differences.

“There’s no need to fear differences. Our nation chose a republic, not a monarchy, so the people need to be given choices, and there’s no need to fear differences,” Prabowo said.

“What’s more important is that we must unite and work for the Indonesian people. The people need leaders who can come together. Every competition has winners and losers,” he continued.

Prabowo highlighted the importance of unity, especially given the many challenges facing the world today, such as food insecurity and climate change.

“The UN predicts massive hunger on this earth, with so many countries struggling to produce food. We are still fortunate,” Prabowo noted.

Therefore, Prabowo and NasDem have decided to collaborate after the political contest has ended.

“That’s why, as leaders, including NasDem representatives who represent the people, we must dare to think beyond the ordinary. We must dare to think that we need to end the competition, to forget perhaps the hurtful words during the competition—those are just part of the game,” he said. (RR)