Parties reminded not to provoke against President Prabowo

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Fadli Zon, Deputy General Chairman of the Gerindra Party, has reminded all parties not to provoke the public into unconstitutionally toppling President Prabowo Subianto. “That, in my view, is not the mark of an intellectual,” said Fadli Zon in Jakarta on Wednesday, in response to a statement from an analyst calling for Prabowo’s downfall. Fadli Zon stated that sometimes people claim to be democratic but do not understand the meaning of democracy. According to Fadli Zon, such provocative calls for unconstitutional actions represent a poor culture. He said that criticism is permissible and even beneficial, but it must have a basis and be accountable, especially from intellectuals. Fadli also said that President Prabowo understands the essence of democracy. He noted that after completing his military service, Prabowo entered civilian life and founded a political party. Prabowo, he said, has participated in presidential elections four times, ultimately winning. The Prabowo Subianto - Gibran Rakabuming Raka ticket received 58 percent of the votes, or more than 96 million votes. “What does that mean? Mr Prabowo has never given up on democracy. He has never abandoned the democratic path. In the past, people sought mandates and power through war,” he said. Therefore, Fadli said, if any party claims Prabowo is authoritarian, it is ahistorical or contrary to history. “Prabowo has chosen the democratic path from the beginning,” he said.