Budiman Sudjatmiko, the Deputy Chairman of the National Campaign Team (TKN) for Prabowo-Gibran, stated that the presidential and vice-presidential candidate pair number 2, Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, are a choice for reconciliation and national unity.
“For us, the selection of Mr. Prabowo and Mas Gibran is a choice for national reconciliation and unity for progress,” said Budiman during a press conference at the Prabowo-Gibran Media Center in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Monday (11/12/2023).
Budiman expressed that after experiencing the winds of reform in 1998, the agenda for Indonesia’s progress should be focused on the unity of the Indonesian people, without neglecting human rights, governance, and corruption issues.
“We have enjoyed 25 years. And after 25 years, we feel that the agenda for Indonesia’s progress is greatly needed, which is the unity of the Indonesian people. We see that democracy, human rights, governance, and corruption issues remain relevant. Remember, they are still relevant,” emphasized Budiman.
According to Budiman, Prabowo Subianto, who was a TNI soldier at the time, was only carrying out his duty to the state. Meanwhile, activists were carrying out the historical task of toppling the authoritarian regime of Soeharto.
Budiman stated that he and the 1998 reform activists felt called to the historical task of advancing Indonesia to be better, more free, and more democratic.
“In 1998, the historical task and the state task were at odds because at that time the state was authoritarian, refusing to make changes in a good way. So we were forced to commit violations and resistance,” he explained.
“Today, after 25 years, we want the state task and the historical task to not be at odds, we are united with Mr. Prabowo. Hence, there are threats, there are situations that require us to be united,” said Budiman.
In addition to unity, Budiman emphasized that a commitment to human rights must be placed within the framework of the nation for greater prosperity. Not only that, Indonesian children must also be healthier and have access to uninterrupted information.
“For us, the selection of Mr. Prabowo and Mas Gibran is a choice for national reconciliation and unity for progress. We, in the most difficult times, dreamt of a better, more democratic Indonesia, and we want all good people to be able to emerge,” he said.
