January 6, 2026 | 10:30 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed his defeat in Aceh and West Sumatra in the 2024 Presidential Election or Pilpres. Prabowo stated that he is still working for the citizens of both provinces despite not receiving the majority of votes there.
The Head of State mentioned that as a president, he belongs to the entire Indonesian nation. Therefore, he continues to carry out the government's flagship programs in Aceh and West Sumatra, even though he did not receive the majority of votes in the 2024 Pilpres.
One of the flagship programs is the free nutritious meals (MBG). "Did I forbid MBG to reach Aceh? I also lost in Aceh. No," said Prabowo during his speech at the 2025 National Christmas celebration in Senayan, Jakarta on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Prabowo also mentioned that MBG is still ongoing in West Sumatra despite his defeat to the Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar pair in the province. In the 2024 Pilpres, the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair won the majority vote in 36 out of 38 provinces. The two provinces where they lost to Anies-Muhaimin were Aceh and West Sumatra.
After becoming president, Prabowo claimed that he will work for all parties as the head of state. "Because now I do not belong to just one party. I belong to the entire Indonesian nation," said the Chairman of the Gerindra Party.
In his speech, Prabowo claimed that he wants to invite all parties in Indonesia to unite. According to Prabowo, unity should still be prioritized even though each party has differences and mistakes in the past. "Because we are human, we are sure to be filled with sin, and there will be mistakes," he said.
Furthermore, Prabowo also addressed various criticisms that argue that unity, especially among the elite, is undemocratic. According to Prabowo, competition is a good thing, but all parties should unite after completing the competition.
"Compete well, but once the match is over, unite. Unite. Some say that being united is undemocratic. Well? Democracy is allowed. Corrections are allowed. Good criticism," said the former defense minister.
Although he considers criticism as a good thing, Prabowo highlighted that criticism should not turn into slander. "Slander is not good. All religions do not allow slander. I am sure it is the same in Christianity," said Prabowo in front of the attendees of the 2025 National Christmas celebration.
Read: Prabowo Denies Free Meal Program Is Bid for 2029 Reelection
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