Prabowo acknowledges Megawati's help while he was out of power
Prabowo Subianto has admitted that he received economic assistance from Megawati Soekarnoputri, the chair of PDIP, particularly during the period when he was not in power and not in government.
In the closing part of his speech during the plenary session of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, Prabowo recounted that Megawati, who is the fifth President of Indonesia, at the time gave instructions to her aides not to hinder Prabowo’s bid to participate in government tenders.
“When I wasn’t in power, Madam Megawati Soekarnoputri also helped me in the economic field,” Prabowo said, turning towards the Speaker of the House Puan Maharani, who is Megawati’s daughter.
Prabowo continued: “I want to be open. I wasn’t in power then, i.e. I was adrift. Madam Megawati Soekarnoputri intervened, saying: If Prabowo wins the tender, don’t interfere, carry on!”
Therefore, Megawati’s stance has been emulated by Prabowo today.
Prabowo emphasised that he would not limit or hinder entrepreneurs from taking part in government tenders, even if they are directly or indirectly affiliated with PDIP.
“Many ministers request guidance: Sir, what about this? There’s a project, there’s a tender, but the backing behind it is PDIP. True. Come on, ministers, be honest, right? But what is my answer? My answer? There is no problem! If he wins, he wins. Let us not look at their background,” Prabowo said.
On the same occasion, President Prabowo also expressed thanks to PDIP, which today is the only party in parliament that acts as the government’s opposition. According to the President, PDIP has safeguarded democracy in Indonesia, especially in maintaining the check and balance mechanism for the executive bodies that run the government.
Prabowo described PDIP as having “sacrificed” and “made a contribution to democracy” in Indonesia.
He also confessed that he often feels “heartache” when hearing harsh criticisms from PDIP cadres.
“Sometimes, late at night before sleep, my heart is heavy. PDIP members’ criticisms can be very harsh, but I realise that, over time, perhaps there is a basis. There is a saying that when someone warns us, even if we don’t like being warned, it can save us,” Prabowo said.