Prabowo Subianto Speaks Up on Rumors of Running with Ganjar Pranowo as VP Candidate

Chairman of the Gerindra Party, Prabowo Subianto, spoke out about the rumors of him being paired with Ganjar Pranowo as a vice-presidential candidate. Prabowo stated that his party has also nominated him as a presidential candidate because Gerindra's position is currently strong.

Prabowo revealed this when he visited the private residence of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Sumber on Saturday afternoon, April 22, as part of a courtesy visit. Prabowo arrived around 11:58 a.m. using a white official car. He spent about 1 hour and 30 minutes in Jokowi's private residence.

When asked by the media upon leaving Jokowi's residence, Prabowo stated that the appointment of Ganjar as a presidential candidate is part of the dynamics of politics. "The people must have a choice. That is democracy. We look at the development and dynamics. All are oriented towards the interests of the nation and the people, that's the point. Regarding candidacy and other things," said Prabowo.

Regarding the rumors of him being paired with Ganjar, Prabowo said that the PDIP has already chosen Ganjar as a presidential candidate. On the other hand, the internal Gerindra wants him to run for president. "My party nominated me as a presidential candidate. My party is quite strong now," Prabowo said.

Regarding his running mate, Prabowo stated that he is still looking at the development of political dynamics. "We'll see how things develop. It's still a long time. Registration is in October. You already know the list," said Prabowo.

Regarding the political communication that had taken place with the PDIP, Prabowo revealed that the most important thing is for Gibran's electability to continue to rise. "The most important thing is for Mas Gibran's electability to continue to rise," he joked.

When asked if there were any political discussions during his meeting with President Jokowi, Prabowo confirmed that there were discussions, but he declined to disclose what he discussed with the president. "I came here to pay a courtesy visit. As part of our tradition and custom, during Eid, usually subordinates visit or celebrate Eid with their leaders, in this case, the president. He is the leader, the highest commander, so I think several times during Eid, I have visited him, like today," he said.

After visiting President Jokowi's house, Prabowo did not immediately return to Jakarta. Instead, he was taken on a tour by the Mayor of Surakarta, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. "I want to be taken by the Mayor to tour Solo city. I think I have been taken on this tour several times by him," concluded Prabowo.