Jakarta. Presidential hopeful Prabowo Subianto recently told the Communion of Churches --or PGI-- that he was born in a culturally diverse family.

“I was born in a family in which my father was Javanese and my mother came from Sulawesi. It was diverse. There are family members who practice Kejawen [Javanese traditions], Muslims, and Christians. We all live in peace without any problems,” Prabowo said in Jakarta on Friday.

“We all live harmoniously. Even if we fought, it was never because of religion. It was because of clashing opinions,” Prabowo told the PGI members.

Prabowo said that he had met with PGI leaders and members several times. According to Prabowo, his family’s closeness to PGI all started when his uncle led the Indonesian Bible Institute back then.

“I don’t think I’m new to the PGI here. If I remember correctly, I have spoken in person with Christian reporters. Many of my family members came from Protestant families,” Prabowo said.

“One of my uncles even used to head the Indonesian Bible Institute back in the 60’s. At the time, the PGI building was not as great as this,” he added. 

Prabowo admitted that his life was also filled with diversity. During his time in the military, his comrades and commanders came from diverse tribes and religions. 

“When I became a soldier and entered the military academy … The Sapta Marga [the military slogan] says we should defend the [state ideology] Pancasila. When I slept, next to me were a Catholic and a Hindu. We were working together,” Prabowo said.

He also reminisced about what his senior Tarmizi Taher had said. Tarmizi, who was a Navy admiral and the former Religious Affairs Minister, had said that the people of minority groups were all brothers in arms who were part of this nation.

“The minority groups are not living in a boarding house. They pay. They pay with their sweat and tears. They are our brothers and comrades, members of the same nation,” Prabowo said.