Partai Bulan Bintang officially endorses Prabowo Subianto as Presidential Candidate for the 2024 Election

INDONESIA: In a significant political development, the Crescent Star Party (PBB; Partai Bulan Bintang) has formally declared its support for Prabowo Subianto as the presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.

The declaration was made during the 25th-anniversary celebration of PBB, held at ICE BSD in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday (30 Jul).

During the event, the Secretary-General of PBB, Afriansyah Ferry Noor, read out the official decision confirming PBB’s backing of Prabowo Subianto’s candidacy.

The decree acknowledged 71-year-old Prabowo Subianto as the chosen candidate for the Republic of Indonesia, supported by PBB in the 2024 general election.

Seasoned politician seeks presidency for the third time

The Indonesian political veteran currently serves as the Minister of Defense in President Joko Widodo’s Cabinet of Indonesia Maju, (Indonesia Onward Cabinet) since 2019.

He was also a presidential candidate in the Indonesian presidential elections of 2014 and 2019.

He is now once again running for President in the 2024 Presidential Election as the Chairman of Gerindra Party.

Following the reading of the decree, a declaration document was handed over by Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Chairman of PBB, to Prabowo Subianto, who was accompanied by Ahmad Muzani, the Secretary-General of Partai Gerindra, and Afriansyah Noor, the Secretary-General of PBB.

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Chairman of the Crescent Star Party (PBB)

In his speech, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Chairman of PBB, emphasized that their decision to support Prabowo Subianto was not solely based on rational calculations but also on careful considerations.

He stated, “After much contemplation, this decision is not just a rational calculation but also a culmination of various factors that have led us to conclude that PBB must nominate Mr. Prabowo Subianto as the presidential candidate for the Republic of Indonesia.”

Responding to the endorsement, Prabowo Subianto expressed gratitude for the support from PBB, considering it a significant addition to his strength and credibility.

He pledged to compete in a democratic manner, promoting ideas and thoughts while maintaining a spirit of unity. Prabowo emphasized that he aimed to avoid any divisive situations during the electoral process and to uphold the nation’s sense of kinship.

Prabowo Subianto, the Chairman of Gerindra Party

“PBB has declared its support for me as a presidential candidate; I feel this is an additional strength and trust in me,” he said.

Furthermore, Prabowo called upon the nation’s best and brightest individuals to join him in realizing Indonesia’s progress if he is elected as President in 2024.

He believes that the country requires extraordinary and exceptional figures to tackle the challenges ahead.

“We need the best and brightest, and we must unite them. God willing, if given the mandate, I am determined to gather the best and brightest sons and daughters of the nation,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo nostalgically reflects on his time with Yusril in Soeharto’s era

During his speech, Prabowo also lauded Yusril Ihza Mahendra, highlighting his role as a key figure in the reform era. He acknowledged Yusril as a witness to his political journey and appreciated his support for the reform movement.

“He is one of the key figures of the reform movement, and despite being part of the New Order, he also witnessed Prabowo Subianto’s actions, and I too supported the reform,” expressed Prabowo.

Prabowo Subianto admits that he was once part of the New Order (Orde Baru) regime led by President Soeharto.

However, he claims to have supported the Reform Movement in 1998, which successfully forced Soeharto to step down.

In the final years of Soeharto’s leadership, Yusril was known as the scriptwriter for the president’s speeches. Prabowo mentions that there are many untold stories between him and Yusril during the reform period.

In 1998, Prabowo was known as Soeharto’s son-in-law.

Before the reform era, he held the position of Commander of the Army Special Forces (Kopassus) of the Indonesian National Army (TNI AD).

When President Soeharto resigned, Prabowo was serving as the Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) of the TNI AD.

As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, the endorsement from Partai Bulan Bintang adds a new dimension to the political landscape, shaping the dynamics of the upcoming electoral race.

With Prabowo Subianto’s candidacy gaining the backing of PBB, political analysts predict intensified campaigns and increased public engagement as Indonesia moves closer to its democratic process.