During his speech at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Friday (June 20), he emphasized that he regards Mandela as one of his greatest role models due to his willingness to make peace with former adversaries.
"Nelson Mandela demonstrated magnanimity when he strove to reconcile with his former enemies after coming out of prison. This is the approach I am trying to emulate in my domestic politics," he remarked in the presence of global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prabowo explained that Mandela's wisdom moved him to prioritize reconciliation over confrontation with political rivals, including Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, who once led an armed separatist movement in Aceh Province.
The president then highlighted his success in bringing Manaf into Gerindra, the party he currently chairs.
"Currently, he is a member of my party and serving as the governor of Aceh, while I serve as the president of Indonesia. This is proof that former foes can unite," he said, prompting a wave of applause.
The Indonesian leader then remarked that Mandela's viewpoint encouraged him to further explore the meaning and value of peace and resolution, as well as the importance of negotiation.
"Negotiation, negotiation, negotiation. Communicating is better than killing one another. This is my stance. I always talk, always negotiate," he affirmed.
Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang, and South African Vice President Paul Mashatile were also present at the forum, which marked the end of Prabowo's Russia visit on June 18–20.
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Translator: Mentari D/Genta T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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