TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President candidate number 02, Prabowo Subianto, claimed that he had predicted the direction of the country’s economic development since the New Order era, saying that it was on a wrong path.

“So, ladies and gentlemen, since the beginning, for many years, I have noticed Indonesian economic development since the New Order era is heading to a wrong path,” said Prabowo during his speech in the anniversary event of the Indonesian Metal Workers Union (FSPMI), in Sports Mall, Jakarta, Wednesday, February 6.

Prabowo opined the problem was on the country’s elite group that failed to provide good directions and manage the nation. Claiming to have always conveyed the matter, and he said he was loathed by the elite for holding his belief. Some even accused him of not being able to understand data.

He also refuted the allegation and asserted that he acknowledged data and had put his thoughts into words. The idea, Prabowo mentioned, had been seconded by the first president of Indonesia, Soekarno.

According to Prabowo, if the issue lingers, there will be no enough jobs and labor salary will not improve.

“Prabowo can read data, and now, the figure is not good for our nation. I have written it on a book. The core problem of Indonesia since dozens of years ago, since the colonial era, is that the country’s wealth is not in Indonesia,” said the former Commander of the Special Forces Command in a high voice.

Prabowo Subianto launched a book in 2016 entitled Paradoks Indonesia (Paradox of Indonesia), presenting his opinion on the national issues, especially the economic affairs. On his book, Prabowo highlighted the definition of independence which means the prosperity of the nation's people.

FIKRI ARIGI