Prabowo: I Lost Four Elections but Never Disrupted the Winner

President Prabowo Subianto revealed his belief in democracy and general elections, stating that despite losing four times in presidential elections, he never disrupted the leader who received the mandate. Speaking before 2,600 academics from various regions of Indonesia, President Prabowo invited them to reflect on the meaning of statehood. “I always try to persuade. As a political leader, I was elected democratically. I went to the people five times to ask for a mandate, four times I was not given the mandate. Four times I lost, but I did not disturb the leader who got the mandate,” said President Prabowo during his speech at the opening of the National Symposium at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, Friday. The thousands of participants who packed Hall B JCC immediately greeted President Prabowo’s statement with thunderous applause. “So, the embodiment of people’s sovereignty is democracy. The embodiment of democracy is elections. We understand. We may be dissatisfied, but what is the alternative? Do we want chaos? Chaos after every election. The losers make noise, the losers make noise. When will we move towards prosperity for our people?” he said. Therefore, the President then invited all community groups to reflect on the purpose of the state, which includes the obligation of the nation’s children to dedicate themselves to the people. “Isn’t that our duty as children of the nation, as leaders, as the smartest people in this country? Isn’t it? All our intelligence must be dedicated to our poorest and weakest people. Isn’t that right?” said President Prabowo. “Please, if anyone has a different opinion, that is their right. I say we are different. If there are those who think that chaos, noise, burning things, anarchy, hatred, hostility, and insults are productive, while other countries are moving towards prosperity, making breakthroughs, heading towards wealth,” he continued. The President’s opening speech lasted approximately 40 minutes, after which the briefing session and the opening ceremony of the National Symposium continued behind closed doors to the media. The President explained that he wanted to speak “heart to heart” with the professors and other academics. “I want to give what I have. I want to give data, facts, what I have, and you as scientists, please study, research it. If you consider these data and facts scientifically valid and relevant, please draw your own conclusions,” said Prabowo.