Zulhas Recounts His Three-Time Support for Prabowo in Presidential Elections

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, delivered a public lecture to students at STIKOM Uyelindo Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Zulhas recounted that he has supported Prabowo Subianto in three presidential elections. “I support Mr. Prabowo, and he has lost three times. But I remain steadfast because we are committed to a shared vision. We are committed to the struggle,” said Zulhas in front of the students at STIKOM Kupang, Friday (15/5/2026). According to Zulhas, Prabowo’s vote share in NTT during previous presidential elections has never been optimal. In contrast, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has consistently won in NTT. “Mr. Prabowo lost in NTT, while Mr. Jokowi has always won,” Zulhas added, which was met with laughter from the audience. On that occasion, Zulhas explained that the government’s current focus is on achieving food self-sufficiency and reducing imports. According to him, farmers in the country will benefit if food self-sufficiency is achieved. “If we achieve food self-sufficiency, then the Indonesian people will produce rice. If production is good, then income will also be good. If we import, then the farmers in Vietnam and Thailand will receive the money,” said Zulhas. Currently, Zulhas said, the achievement of food self-sufficiency has only been achieved for rice and corn. He emphasized the importance of utilizing technology to make farmers more productive. On the other hand, Zulhas said that the government is also targeting to resolve the problems faced by fishermen, including by building fishing villages and the Merah Putih Fishermen’s Cooperative. “This step is expected to break the chain of fishermen’s dependence on loan sharks,” said the Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN). It is known that Zulhas also gave a public lecture at the Muhammadiyah University of Kupang on the same day. There, Zulhas explained the government’s efforts in producing superior human resources, one of which is through the Free Nutritious Meal program.