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Democrats go all in with Prabowo in 2024
Joining Prabowo Subianto's alliance might be the most realistic option for the Democratic Party after leaving Anies Baswedan's camp, but the shift to backing the candidate that will continue Jokowi's agenda might erode public trust in the party, experts have said.
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Former president and Democratic Party founder Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (left) shakes hands with Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto (right) during the Democratic Party leadership meeting in Jakarta on Sept. 21, 2023. During the meeting, the Democrats officially declared their support for Prabowo's presidential bid in the 2024 election. (Antara/Galih Pradipta)
The country’s largest opposition party the Democratic Party has officially thrown its support behind Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto’s presidential bid, pledging to go all the way in helping the retired military general win the election while entrusting its “change” agenda to the electoral frontrunner.
The party previously announced on Sunday its decision to join Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo’s electoral alliance. But the Democrats officially declared their support on Thursday during the party’s national leadership meeting in Jakarta.
Former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), chairman of the party’s high council, pledged to turn up again on the political stage to help Prabowo win the race.
“You’ll never walk alone,” SBY told Prabowo, followed by cheers from Democratic Party members.
In his speech during Thursday’s meeting, SBY’s eldest son and party chair Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said the party now pinned its hopes on Prabowo to bring about change in the country, while noting that he should continue the development of the nation brought about by his predecessors if he is elected.
“We are confident that under Pak Prabowo’s leadership, we can achieve continuity and change toward a developed Indonesia in the future together,” Agus said.
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