Jakarta. Enthusiasm soared high when Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto visited Blora in Central Java on Thursday.

According to Prabowo, the locals shook his hands hard, a gesture that he said represented their energy. 

“I’m happy to be invited. Thank you, [Agriculture Minister] Mr. Amran. This is such an honor,” Prabowo said.

“When I shook the Blora locals’ hands, they were very powerful handshakes. I suppose that’s normal because they are farmers,” Prabowo told the cheering crowd.

Prabowo talked about shaking hands with an emak-emak, a female senior citizen. He added: “It was incredible to see an emak-emak shaking my hands very firmly. But that’s okay, I’m happy.”

The minister said the Blora locals’ presence was also an energy booster.

“I can feel your power and energy. I feel young again as I meet all of you. Blora is incredible. I’m happy to be among you all,” Prabowo said.