Prabowo Reminds Nation of Unity After Political Contestation

President Prabowo Subianto has invited all elements of the nation to maintain unity after political contestation and not to make differing choices a reason to divide the nation. According to him, competition in a democracy is normal, but it must end with mutual respect and working together for the people’s interests. In his speech at the peak of the 79th Cooperative Day commemoration in Jakarta on Sunday (12/7), Prabowo stated that differences in views or political affiliations should not be a source of hostility. “Believe me. Let us unite all elements. We are different, no problem. Different parties, no problem. Every few years we compete properly. No problem. Whoever wins, please,” said Prabowo. He specifically reminded that those who lose in elections should not incite anarchist actions. According to him, leaders who encourage acts of violence after a political contest have betrayed the nation’s interests. “A leader who advocates burning things in this Republic is a traitorous leader. I believe the law of karma will befall all of them,” he said. Prabowo then touched on his personal political experience as an example that defeat in an election must be handled maturely. He admitted to having run in presidential elections five times and experienced defeat on four occasions. However, that never made him mobilise supporters to carry out destructive actions. On the contrary, he chose to respect the results of democracy by attending the inauguration of his political opponents and offering congratulations. According to him, such an attitude is part of democratic maturity. Prabowo likened political competition to a sports match, which always produces a winner and a loser. Therefore, the result of the match must be accepted as a consequence of healthy competition. He also cited the dynamics of his political relationship with PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, or Cak Imin. Although they were once on different political paths, the two now work together in government with the same goal: to build Indonesia. According to the Head of State, this spirit must become the character of the Indonesian nation, namely being able to compete openly but reuniting after the contest is over. “We are one nation, one homeland, one language. We are one family, prove that the Indonesian nation is a unique nation, a united nation. We compete, then we unite, working for all the people. This is the Indonesian nation, all the people,” he asserted. Prabowo also reminded that differences of opinion should not be filled with mutual disparagement. He stressed that the government remains open to criticism because criticism is part of the correction mechanism in governance. “Don’t just be sarcastic; if you disagree, if you don’t want to work, just sit down and watch carefully. But we accept criticism, we accept criticism. Criticism is good, it means correction, vigilance. We accept criticism, we want to accept criticism,” concluded Prabowo.