TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Political observer Ujang Komarudin says Prabowo's plan to form a presidential club is an attempt to bridge the differences between previous presidents. The executive director of the Indonesia Political Review (IPR) said that from 2004 until now, it seemed that there were still differences and even disharmonious relations between the previous presidents. So he sees Prabowo's efforts to unite his predecessors as a positive signal.
"It could be a bridge for Prabowo to unite the former presidents, to reconcile for peace, so that things will be good between them," Ujang said when contacted in Jakarta on Sunday, May 5, Antara reported.
However, he said there was no guarantee that the former presidents would accept Prabowo's invitation to be friends. After all, if they are in the same place but do not know each other, they will still turn their backs on each other.
Still, he said, Prabowo's plan deserves to be respected because it is in the interest of the nation. In addition to unity, he believes the Presidential Club will also be a place for Prabowo to receive input, suggestions and ideas from past leaders.
"Based on their experiences as presidents, Prabowo can learn lessons from them once he takes office," he said.
Editor's Note: The quote at the last paragraph had been corrected.
SULTAN ABDURRAHMAN | ANTARA
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
