Prabowo Subianto Apologizes for his `Boyolali` Derogatory Comment

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Presidential hopeful Prabowo Subianto issued an apology for his recent comment that sparked controversy regarding his speech that some people interpreted as derogatory against Boyolali residents in Central Java.

The public apology was stated at the end of a video sent by Prabowo’s campaign team spokesman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak to Tempo earlier this morning.

“My comment was not meant to be perceived negatively, however, I do apologize for anyone that felt offended by my previous comment. It was not meant to be interpreted that way,” said Prabowo in the video.

Earlier in the video, Dahnil, who was sitting beside Prabowo, opened the conversation by asking the presidential hopeful about Prabowo’s comment that initially sparked controversy. “This one is making rounds. It’s suggested that you (Prabowo) is accused of making a mockery of Boyolali people,” asked Dahnil in the video.

Prabowo Subianto maintained that the backlash he received was an overreaction from the public’s part. He claims that his tone upon mentioning the controversial statement was meant to make him relatable to the audience that was present in the event that was mostly Boyolali residents.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA