Bengkulu. Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto shared his reflections on Thursday, recalling how he fiercely contested President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in two previous elections. 

Despite the intense rivalry, Prabowo said that they have now become friends, collaborating in various capacities, including sharing duties in the cabinet.

Addressing supporters during a campaign rally in Bengkulu, Prabowo underlined the importance of maintaining unity and putting the nation's interests beyond personal differences after the election.

"I will defend the legacy of Mr. Jokowi. In the past, I contested against him in two elections and lost both. However, despite our political differences, we don't harbor animosity," Prabowo said.

"We both love the country and its people. Mr. Jokowi works diligently for the Indonesian people, and I have put my life on the line on numerous occasions for Indonesia," added Prabowo, a former army general who currently serves as the defense minister.

One of the key initiatives introduced by Jokowi that Prabowo intends to uphold is the policy banning the export of unprocessed mineral ores. The objective is to increase the added value domestically and promote industrialization.

"This strategy was introduced by Mr. Jokowi. We will continue to manage our natural resources to generate significant added value, and I promise to utilize the benefits for the welfare of the people," he said.

If elected in the February 14 election, Prabowo vowed ro prioritize programs to eradicate poverty in the resource-rich nation and enforce the rule of law.

Prabowo has chosen Jokowi's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his running mate.

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