TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto, the two rivals in the recent presidential election, showed what a real democracy can be. Following what many regarded as the most 'brutal' election, which required the validation of the Constitutional Court, it was refreshing to see the two men greet each other warmly.
The president-elect paid a visit to Prabowo on his birthday. The host gave him a military salute, offered congratulations and called him a 'patriot'. Contrary to the belief that he would boycott the event, Prabowo attended Jokowi's inauguration. This sympathetic move was promptly reciprocated. From the podium of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) during his swearing-in ceremony, President Jokowi spoke of his rival as 'my good friend'.
Political tension immediately dissipated. People may well believe that this admission of his opponent's victory should have come after the results of the election quick counts were published in July 9, or after the official announcement by the General Elections Commission (KPU) on July 22, or after the Constitutional Court ruling on August 21. But even though it was late in coming, we should still be grateful. The two rivals in a previous presidential election Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Megawati Soekarnoputri never deigned to congratulate each other.
Prabowo clearly has the support of a large coalition and as such he is able to control the House of Representatives (DPR) and the MPR to intervene with any government program. His coalition succeeded in ensuring the enactment of the Local Elections Bill. The pro-Prabowo coalition also won a clean sweep of the DPR and MPR speakers' positions. The shadow of a boycott loomed large.
The meeting between Jokowi and Prabowo in South Jakarta eased the concerns of the public, and of the investors. Prabowo's promise to support the Jokowi administration was a huge relief to many. His decision to attend the inauguration of the president deserves praise. He opposed the stance of the Gerindra Party, which had said that its chairman would not be attending.
Nothing is free in politics, so it is only logical to conclude there were careful political calculations behind Prabowo's moves. Occupying a position as the 'enemy' of a president enjoying public 'adoration' is clearly not strategic. For sure, it is not good investment for the future of the Gerindra Party, nor for Prabowo's chances of running in the next election. The 'Kertanegara Meeting' quickly transformed Prabowo's image from a 'power hungry' political player into a graceful politician admitting defeat.
Comments in social media, which had been critical of Prabowo turned into praise, especially after Prabowo paid a visit to Vice President Jusuf Kalla and apologized for his confrontational words during the election campaign.
Jokowi has gained much. By going to visit a political rival, rather than wait to be visited, he showed himself to be magnanimous and statesmanlike. But the greatest benefit for Jokowi was when he gained a stage to demonstrate a political strategy that was effective in obtaining the support of a rival, in the midst of doubt from political pundits.
But the contest is far from over. This time the ball is in Prabowo's court. The first major test will come when deliberations over the implementing regulations of the Local Elections Law take place. If he goes against the popular vote for direct elections of local chief executives, which is what Jokowi wants, the public will, once again, turn its back on Prabowo. (*)
