Jakarta. President-elect Prabowo Subianto recently reflected on his political journey, particularly focusing on his successful presidential bid after joining forces with his former rival, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

Prabowo shared his experiences of being defeated by Jokowi in both the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections. After these losses, he contemplated the possibility of joining Jokowi’s administration.

“I thought, maybe if I join, I’ll learn something,” Prabowo remarked during the closing of the National Democrat (Nasdem) Party’s third congress at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Tuesday.

Following his defeat in the 2019 election, Prabowo was appointed as the Defense Minister by President Jokowi on Oct. 23, 2019.

Five years later, Prabowo ran again in the 2024 presidential election, this time with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi's eldest son, as his running mate. Prabowo ultimately emerged victorious, defeating his two rivals, Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD.

“And so, he [Jokowi] invited me to join, and eventually, I won. Sorry about that!” Prabowo quipped.

During his speech at the Nasdem Congress, Prabowo also praised Nasdem Party Chairman Surya Paloh, acknowledging Paloh’s keen instincts in recognizing the potential of political figures like Jokowi.

“Surya Paloh is remarkable; he just knows who’s strong,” Prabowo noted.

“Let’s unite, join forces, and work together,” Prabowo urged. Surya Paloh, in turn, called on Prabowo to consider Nasdem as a loyal partner in the upcoming journey.

“Our hope is that you make Nasdem a steadfast companion in building this nation under your leadership,” Surya Paloh said in his speech.

Paloh stressed the importance of collaboration in fostering public optimism and advancing the nation, emphasizing that the success or failure of the government will ultimately impact the people.

He also assured Prabowo of Nasdem’s sincerity and transparency as the new administration approaches.

“Our approach will always be straightforward, speaking as we see things, whether we agree or disagree,” Surya Paloh affirmed.