Jakarta. The competition leading up to the 2024 election voting day is heating up between presidential candidates Prabowo Subianto and Anies Baswedan, who were once on the same team during the 2017 Jakarta Governor Election.

Renowned preacher Haikal Hassan, popularly known as Babe Haikal, has revealed the extent of the efforts made by Prabowo Subianto in supporting Anies Baswedan during the gubernatorial election.

Babe Haikal, who supported Anies in 2017, revealed that Prabowo voluntarily used his land as collateral to provide financial assistance to Anies during the election, wherein Anies faced Basuki Tjahaja "Ahok" Purnama, who had previously resigned from Prabowo's Gerindra Party.

This revelation came after the third presidential debate for the 2024 election on Jan. 7, 2024. During the debate, Anies criticized Prabowo's extensive land ownership, totaling 340,000 hectares, drawing attention to the contrast with the housing difficulties encountered by numerous TNI soldiers.

"I forgot to mention, albeit belatedly, I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Prabowo Subianto, where he once mortgaged his private land to assist and endorse Mr. Anies as the governor," Haikal tweeted on his X account @haikalhassan_quote, on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Babe Haikal also extended his thanks because, with Prabowo's support, Anies Baswedan successfully won the Jakarta Election and assumed leadership in the capital.

"Once again, thank you, Mr. Prabowo, for your assistance, contribution, and personal sacrifice by mortgaging your land to help Mr. Anies become the governor. Even though it's late, it's never too late to say thank you," he said.

Prabowo, who is also the current defense minister, has been under continuous pressure from Anies since the first presidential debate on Dec. 12, 2023.

Anies said that the people had been doubting Indonesia’s overall democratic process. Prabowo then countered Anies’s statement, saying he was exaggerating. The defense minister even brought up how Anies won the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election. 

“You are complaining about democracy. But remember, Anies. You were elected as the Jakarta governor against the ruling government. I was the one who championed you...You came to my house, we were in the opposition, and then you were elected,” Prabowo said at the debate.

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