Feb 20 – Indonesia’s newly-elected president, Prabowo Subianto, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for his congratulatory message and pledged to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between their nations.
In a social media post on platform X, Subianto stated, “Thank you, Prime Minister @narendramodi, for your congratulatory message on our elections. I share your sentiment to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and India to greater heights. I look forward to working closer with you.”
Earlier, on Sunday, PM Modi congratulated Subianto on his victory in the presidential elections and extended well wishes to the people of Indonesia. In a similar social media post on platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Congratulations to the people of Indonesia on the successful presidential elections and Prabowo Subianto on the lead. Look forward to working with the new Presidency to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia.”
Subianto’s victory was declared after unofficial vote counts showed him leading significantly over his rivals, as reported by Al Jazeera. The 72-year-old former special forces commander, who had previously lost in two presidential races, secured about 58 per cent of the votes according to four pollsters conducting “quick count” ballots at various voting stations nationwide.
Addressing his supporters at a stadium in Jakarta, Prabowo expressed gratitude for the swift results. He was joined by his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of outgoing President Joko Widodo.
Despite his victory, Prabowo emphasized humility and unity among the Indonesian people, stating, “We should not be arrogant, we should not be proud, we should not be euphoric, we still have to be humble, this victory must be a victory for all Indonesian people.”
Prabowo had garnered substantial support leading up to the polls, partly due to the backing of outgoing President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi.
