I Congratulate President Jokowi on Re-election: Prabowo Subianto

Prabowo Subianto and President Jokowi hold press conference, at Senayan MRT Station, Jakarta, Saturday (13/7). (Photo: JAY/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his contender Prabowo Subianto on Saturday (13/7) shook hands and hugged each other warmly in a widely anticipated meeting.

They met at Jakarta MRT Station in South Jakarta on Saturday (13/7) before riding MRT line.

In their first meeting after the April election, Prabowo congratulated President Jokowi for winning the election and being named as Indonesian President for period of 2019-2024, adding that he is ready to provide assistance for the benefits of the people.

“For those who ask why I have not congratulated President Jokowi, I said that I would like to congratulate him in person and today is the day,” Prabowo said in a joint press conference with President Jokowi at Senayan MRT Station.

Prabowo added that being a president is a dedication with many problems ahead. Thus, Prabowo expressed his readiness to help.

“We are ready to help if needed for the benefits of the people,” he said, adding that he was also requested to be allowed to criticize the Government since democracy needs ‘checks and balances’.

Prabowo went on to say that even though his meeting with President Joko Widodo seemed informal, it had crucial meaning.

“We both are friends, so it is common to compete and criticize each other for the sake of politics and democracy. But afterwards, we remain friends within the Indonesian nation. We are both patriots and we want to do the best for the nation,” said Prabowo.

He also praised the construction of the MRT initiated by President Jokowi. “We are proud that Indonesia finally has an MRT,” he said. (UN/FID/JAY/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas