TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has once again declared his support for Gerindra Party chairman and current Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto. This marks the second time in the span of one week that the President showed his support for Prabowo in the 2024 presidential election.

Asked if this is a sign that Jokowi supports Prabowo, Jokowi chuckled and casually replied. "Yes, it is a sign, yes," said Jokowi in Central Jakarta on Monday, November 7.

While attending the 8th Anniversary of the Perindo Party yesterday, Jokowi recalled his electoral victory in the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections. When bringing up this story, the President was visibly smiling because of the presence of Prabowo Subianto. "Twice winning the presidential election. Sorry Mr. Prabowo," said Jokowi followed by a smile.

The audience, which consists of Perindo Party members reacted to the President’s quip with laughter and applause. Thunderous applause also followed when Prabowo stood up from his seat and gave his salute to Jokowi.

Prabowo was a notable rival for Jokowi in the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections but in both presidential elections lost to Joko Widodo.

"It seems that it is Prabowo's turn this time," Jokowi said, followed by applause.

Jokowi signaled support for the Defense Minister in opening the Indo Defence 2022 exhibition at Central Jakarta’s JIExpo Kemayoran on November 2. At the time he said “I’ve said it since the beginning that I support him,” President said.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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