"If it is a political transaction, it would be given before the election. However, this was given after the election. Those assumptions are wrong," he remarked after attending the TNI-Polri Leaders Meeting at the TNI Headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Hence, the promotion of rank from retired three-star general to honorary four-star general was granted to Prabowo after the 2024 elections were held on February 14, 2024.
The president explained that this was carried out precisely to placate public rumors on political transactions carried out by him and Prabowo.
Moreover, the head of state responded to the pros and cons from the public regarding Prabowo's promotion.
Jokowi explained that several figures had earlier received special promotion awards, including the sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), and Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who currently serves as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment.
According to Jokowi, this type of promotion is common within the scope of the TNI and Polri.
"Such awards were also given to President SBY and Minister Pandjaitan," he added.
Jokowi awarded Prabowo with an honorary four-star general rank for his services and contributions to national development, especially in the fields of defense and security, at the 2024 Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Leadership Meeting at the TNI Headquarters on Wednesday.
"I would like to award Mr. Prabowo Subianto as a form of appreciation for his service to the people, to the nation, and to the state," the president stated.
He also congratulated Prabowo on his honorary award.
"I congratulate Mr. General Prabowo Subianto," he noted.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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