Prabowo says farmers and fishermen were key to his 2024 presidential election victory

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto stated that support from farmers and fishermen was a crucial factor in his victory in the 2024 Presidential Election. “I believe HKTI (Indonesian Farmers’ Harmony Association) and KTNA (National Contact for Farmers and Fishermen) were the key to my win,” Prabowo said during the peak event of the 17th KTNA National Week in Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province, as monitored from the official broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on Wednesday. The President noted that he has a long-standing closeness with farming and fishing communities, having struggled alongside these groups through various agricultural organisations for many years. According to him, his political struggle is also founded on a desire to strengthen the welfare of communities in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Prabowo admitted he persisted in politics despite experiencing several defeats in general elections. “I have participated in general elections five times, lost four times, and won the last one,” he said. Prabowo explained that the spirit to keep advancing in political contests arose from his conviction that farmers, fishermen, labourers, and other grassroots communities need greater attention in national development. The President assessed that the agriculture and fisheries sectors hold a strategic position as the main source of food supply for the Indonesian people. On the occasion, Prabowo also expressed appreciation to the farmers and fishermen who have contributed to national food security. He said Indonesia’s success in increasing food production cannot be separated from the hard work of farmers and fishermen across various regions. Prabowo affirmed that the government will continue to strengthen the agriculture and fisheries sectors as part of efforts to improve public welfare.