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Megawati, Prabowo pledge to bring prosperity to all
Down to earth: Presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Prabowo Subianto officially announced their bid for the government’s top two posts at the Bantar Gebang dumpsite in Bekasi on Sunday
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Down to earth: Presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Prabowo Subianto officially announced their bid for the government’s top two posts at the Bantar Gebang dumpsite in Bekasi on Sunday. JP/J. Adiguna
Presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri and her running mate Prabowo Subianto vowed Sunday to lead the common people to prosperity.
Speaking to thousands of supporters of their presidential ticket gathering at Bantar Gebang dumpsite in Bekasi, West Java, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chief Megawati said policies aimed to increase the welfare of the poor would be highlighted by her administration if she was elected President.
“We intend to rebuild Indonesia if the people elect us President and Vice President. So, are you ready or not to help us win the executive seats?” Megawati shouted to a sea of people from the main stage.
The gathering saw Megawati and Prabowo officially declare their bid for presidential and vice presidential posts in the July 8 election.
Prabowo, who flanked Megawati on stage, criticized the current administration for its economic policies, which he said had produced nothing but impoverishment.
“Will all of you remain silent despite the wrong policies [being implemented]? If not, then vote for us,” Prabowo said.
Representatives of professional organizations invited to the stage also voiced their concern about the need to bring back prosperity to the people, as they recognized the people’s purchasing power had fallen due to the increasing prices of goods.
During the legislative elections campaigning period, Prabowo and his Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party spent lavishly on media campaigns to criticize government policies, which they said had ignored the ordinary people.
Apart from his political and business activities, Prabowo chairs the Indonesian Association of Farmers and Fishermen (HKTI).
Prabowo, who wore a peci (cap) during the gathering, said it was their eagerness to help ordinary people become prosperous that brought him, Megawati and their parties together.
Over 15,000 people from Greater Jakarta attended the event, causing heavy congestion on roads to Jakarta’s main dumpsite.
The pair chose to announce their presidential and vice presidential bid at the dumpsite to show they cared for the poor. However, according to the Corruption Eradication Commission, Prabowo is the richest candidate and Megawati the third richest.
Dozens of people reportedly fainted due to exhaustion and lack of oxygen at the gathering.
Prabowo expressed optimism his partnership with Megawati would outdo their rivals.
However, he called on the people to keep watching the current voter list modification process conducted by the General Elections Commission (KPU).
“Please make sure your name is registered on the permanent voter list or else, our wish will be in vain,” Prabowo said.
However, not everyone shared Prabowo’s optimism.
Arto, a burger vendor who parked his caravan just outside the venue, acknowledged that even at this time, he was skeptical the presidential ticket would fulfill its promise if elected.
“I have been poor all of my life no matter who the president is. Frankly, isn’t it common for politicians to call out heavenly promises to win our hearts and minds, but then abandon us once they are in power? he said.
