TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto attended the closing ceremony of the VI Congress of the Democratic Party, which took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Jakarta, on Tuesday night, February 25, 2025.

As part of the agenda, Prabowo was scheduled to deliver the closing speech for the party, known for its mercy star emblem.

Prabowo arrived at around 7:22 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB). He was dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and a blue tie, complemented by a black peci.

On that occasion, the Chairperson of the Gerindra Party was accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. They joined Chairperson of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), and Chairperson of the Democratic Party's Supreme Council, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).

Prabowo Congratulates AHY and SBY on their Leadership Roles in the Democratic Party

Prabowo extended his congratulations to Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) and the 6th President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on their acclamation as the Chairperson of the DPP Democratic Party and the Chairperson of the Democratic Party's Supreme Council, respectively.

"Of course, I congratulate the convening of the Democratic Party Congress, and congratulations on the reelection of Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono as the Chairperson of the Democratic Party for the next 5 years, and of course the election of Bapak SBY as the Chairperson of the Democratic Party's Supreme Council," the President said.

Prabowo Praises AHY 

"Mas AHY is indeed one of the youngest ministers in the Red and White Cabinet, and also the youngest coordinating minister among the seven coordinating ministers. So, Mas AHY, you still have a long period of service," Prabowo said to AHY, which was met with applause from the Democratic Party cadres present at the congress.

Prabowo Suggests AHY and Gibran Could Compete in Future Presidential Elections

On the same occasion, Prabowo also assessed that AHY and Gibran Rakabuming Raka have the potential to compete in future presidential elections. He argued that both are young and possess the opportunity to occupy the presidential office.

"Now sitting side by side, they can compete in the future," Prabowo said to AHY and Gibran, who were seated side by side at the VI Democratic Congress at the Ritz Carlton South Jakarta, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Prabowo also mentioned the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, who had defeated him in two presidential elections. However, despite their rivalry, Jokowi still invited him to join the government.

Prabowo Denies SBY and Jokowi's 'Cawe-cawe' (intervention)

Prabowo clarified that he requested the involvement of SBY and Jokowi in the form of advice and input.

"Don't think of 'cawe-cawe'. I'm the one who asked for 'cawe-cawe'. I asked for advice from Pak SBY. I asked for input," he said.

Prabowo stressed that in giving input, SBY never entrusted any particular interests to him, nor did Jokowi. He believed that both have valuable insights into the country's leadership.

According to him, only a foolish person would miss the opportunity to learn from their experiences. "Only a fool would not learn from these two figures," he said.

Prabowo Expresses Condolences for the Passing of the Democratic Party's Treasurer General

Prabowo Subianto expressed his condolences on the passing of the General Treasurer of the DPP Democratic Party, Renville Antonio, who passed away at the age of 47 due to a traffic accident on February 14, 2025.

"On this occasion, I'd also like to express my deepest condolences, from the entire big family of the Gerindra Party, to one of the best cadres of the Democratic Party, the General Treasurer of the Democratic Party, Renville Antonio, who has been called by the Almighty," said President Prabowo, who also serves as the Chairperson of the DPP Gerindra Party.

Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article.

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