Prabowo after Meeting with Jokowi: We are Ready to Help Govt

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Gerindra Party chief patron Prabowo Subianto held a closed meeting today, Oct. 11. The two national figures discussed several issues, including the potential of Gerindra to join the government.

“We have talked a lot about the possibility of Gerindra party joining our coalition,” said the President during a press conference at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday. However, no decision has been made yet.

Nevertheless, Prabowo asserted that he was always ready to help the government.

"If we are needed, we are ready and will give our best ideas. We believe that Indonesia can reach a double-digit growth, we believe Indonesia can rise quickly. So we want to help and we are ready to help if needed," said the party’s chair.

The former commander of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) underlined that his party always prioritized the interests of the nation and its people.

However, if his party is not joining the Working Cabinet, it will act as a counterweight.

"If we do not enter the cabinet, we will remain loyal outside as 'checks and balances', as a counterweight. Here in Indonesia, we have no term of opposition," said Prabowo, followed by Jokowi’s affirmation.

The meeting of the two national leaders was held for one hour from 03:00 p.m. Jakarta time. They also discussed security and political stability to support the improvement of the nation's economic growth.

ANTARA