Prabowo Mentions 'Traitorous Leaders', PAN: No Need for Overinterpretation

President Prabowo Subianto has referred to leaders who incite riots as traitors. Deputy Chair of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Saleh Partaonan Daulay assessed that Prabowo’s statement was an invitation to build a calm political atmosphere, free from tension and provocation. “The message is clear. If you lost previously, there is no need to invite others to cause trouble. Just relax. When the time comes, please participate again,” Saleh told journalists on Tuesday. “President Prabowo has repeatedly recounted his political career journey on many occasions. Although he lost several times, his steps never faltered. He kept moving forward until he finally succeeded,” he added. Saleh stated that the current national political constellation is very good and conducive. According to him, if there are dynamics in politics, the economy, and law enforcement, they must be faced calmly. “There is a time to compete, and there is a time to cooperate. Now is the time for cooperation. Those who were on opposing sides during the election can now even work hand in hand in development,” he said. Furthermore, Saleh could not identify who Prabowo was alluding to regarding the ‘traitorous leader’ remark. He invited all parties to use it as a moral and ethical shield. Saleh assessed that Prabowo’s statement was an invitation to do good for everyone, including those outside the government. “Just consider it peace. There is no need to interpret it too broadly. Moreover, the president’s intention is only to invite everyone to be involved and participate,” he stressed. Previously, Prabowo emphasised that differences between political parties in Indonesia are not a problem. However, he brought up the issue of parties advocating ‘burning’ movements in the republic. This was conveyed by Prabowo at the peak of National Cooperative Day at Indonesia Arena, GBK, Jakarta, on Sunday. Prabowo initially spoke about eradicating corruption, including the restructuring of state-owned enterprises under his leadership. “Different parties are not a problem. Every few years we compete properly. There is no problem,” Prabowo said in his speech. He stated that whoever wins will be supported. Prabowo then remarked that the losing side should not advocate burning things. “Whoever wins, go ahead. Don’t, if you lose, want to burn things. What kind of nation is that? A leader who advocates burning in this republic is a traitorous leader, ladies and gentlemen,” said Prabowo.