It asserted that under Prabowo's leadership, the government would respect contractual agreements with foreign investors and protect national interests.

"Our party platform, the Gerindra 6 Point Action Plan to Transform the Nation, does not mention any intention to nationalize or take over assets owned and or controlled by foreign investors," Hashim Djojohadikusumo, deputy chairman of Gerindra's board of patrons and the brother of Prabowo, said in a statement.

"Should Prabowo become president, we will respect any contractual agreements that have been made between and the Republic of Indonesia and any foreign investor. Yet we will also seek a fair deal for our people within the scope of our Constitution," he added.

Hashim further explained that Gerindra aimed to create an economy that would uphold the needs of the people: An economy of and for the people with established food sovereignty and security for energy and water resources.

"Foreign investment goes both ways. We will ensure that proper and fixed permit and investment procedures, which are transparent, are fair for both sides are in place," he emphasized.

In an interview recently uploaded to Youtube, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono warned the country's eligible voters about promises made by presidential hopefuls, such as the promise to nationalize foreign assets pronounced by a brave, strong and nationalistic figure.

Many assumed that such call was directed at Prabowo due to his nationalistic views expressed in various public forums.

However, Hashim believed it was not Prabowo because neither Gerindra and Prabowo had never attempted to nationalize foreign assets. (ebf)

Popular

Jokowi’s hometown pushes for special status

For ‘Jumbo’, Indonesian children are the true heroes

Indorama to invest $2b in US as tariff talks go on