Pranowo’s humble attitude stands in stark contrast to the political dynasties and former military men with deep roots within the Suharto era who’ve dominated Indonesian politics for the reason that dictator’s three-decade rule resulted in 1998.
But Prabowo, 72, has chosen Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuminga Raka, 36, as his running mate, casting doubt on Prabowo’s probabilities as the advantages of ties to the president flow to his important rival.
But he says he stays “very, very” optimistic that he’ll pull off an upset without Widodo’s apparent support.
“We can’t rely on one person. Not at all,” he said.
Will Jokowi’s Indonesian ruling party “leave” his stronghold?
Will Jokowi’s Indonesian ruling party “leave” his stronghold?
Critics fear Widodo is trying to start his own political dynasty with his son entering the race after a controversial court ruling by the president’s brother-in-law lowered the qualifying age for candidates.
After Gibran’s nomination, Prabowo gained a significant advantage over its rivals in the polls, and Pranowo was in a distant second place.
Recent polls also show that third-placed Baswedan is threatening to overtake Pranowo for a potential spot in the second-round vote.
But Pranowo remains cautious in criticizing the man he is trying to succeed, who claims to support all candidates’ tickets or Widodo’s son’s decision to enter the race as a rival.
“It’s a simple political choice. And we are never afraid of it,” he added.
While Baswedan has taken the position of the government’s main opponent, Pranowo largely promises to continue Widodo’s policies alongside his running mate and Chief Security Minister Mahfud MD.
On moving Indonesia’s capital from Jakarta to Nusantara on the island of Borneo in August, it says it will take action despite criticism from environmentalists and Basweda that priority should be given to other cities such as Jakarta.
“If this is decided, it’s over,” he said. “There is no other word but to do it.”
Frontman Prabowo pledges the identical tact, but Pranowo stays optimistic that he can secure the highest office with a campaign that focuses on grassroots support by appealing to strange Indonesians.
“We are supported by the strength of the community. Every day we go down (to the grass roots). We feel people’s voices,” he said.
“We want to act quickly, not slowly and bureaucratically. And usually those who have a lot of complaints are the little people.
Indonesia’s Ganjar faces a “delicate balance” on the path to Megawati-backed power
Indonesia’s Ganjar faces a “delicate balance” on the path to Megawati-backed power
However, his challenge to the presidency came under threat from other parties in Indonesian society, including parts of the army.
After last month’s attack on a group of his volunteers in Central Java, which left seven civilians injured and six soldiers named as suspects, he demanded fair treatment for his campaign.
“We’re using it as an education that ‘hey, election workers, the government, be careful,’” he said, adding that state representatives should remain neutral.
“Don’t destroy the democratic process.”
If he does secure the mantle from Widodo, he says he’ll put the interests of Indonesians first.
“Serving people. Nothing more,” he said. “From birth to death, it is the state’s responsibility.”
The second of three presidential debates will happen on Sunday.
