"All brothers and sisters, are there, among you, our media fellows? Hello, media!" he stated in a loud tone while on stage to greet the working journalists before concluding his speech at the campaign event attended by several thousand people.
Appearing at ease, Subianto, who will clash against incumbent President Joko Widodo in the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, scheduled simultaneously on Apr 17, sent a message for his supporters.
"Hello media in Indonesia. You all belong to the people. Also, do not broadcast lies. Our people are demanding a regime change, justice, prosperity, and peace. Our people do not want to be cheated anymore," he stated.
After greeting media workers from the stage, Subianto then did a dance move. Several thousand supporters welcomed Subianto at this campaign event by singing "Tala‘ al-Badru ‘Alayn."
Tracing back the history of Islam, Medina or Ansar residents sang this nasheed to welcome the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (peace be up on him) at the city after undertaking an arduous journey migrating from Mecca to Medina in 622.
Prior to addressing the campaign event attended by leaders of political parties backing the Subianto-Sandiaga Uno pair, including Zulkifli Hasan of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and Sohibul Iman of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), Subianto and all those present sang the Indonesian national anthem of "Indonesia Raya."
Subianto urged his supporters and the public, at large, seeking a regime change, to exercise their voting rights by coming to polling stations on Apr 17.
As part of the 2019 presidential election, the General Election Commission (KPU) has organized five rounds of presidential debates for the Joko Widodo-Ma'ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno pairs.
The first and second presidential debates were held on January 17 and February 17, 2019, respectively, during which the two presidential candidates shed light on their views and perspectives on issues pertaining to law, corruption, terrorism, environment, and infrastructure.
The third debate, organized on Mar 17, drew focus on educational, employment, health, as well as social and cultural issues, while the fourth round, scheduled for March 30, will highlight international and ideological issues.
The presidential debates, broadcast live by several television channels, are expected to offer a clear picture of the two pairs' capacity and capability to some 192 million eligible voters.
With this information, the people can then vote rationally, and regardless of which pair is the winner in the upcoming presidential election, Indonesia is certain to bear witness to a new and capable president and vice president.
EDITED BY INE
Translator: M.Ali Khumaini, Rahmad Nasutio
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
