Jakarta. Retired army general Wiranto recently revealed the reason why he gave Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka his support for the 2024 election.

“I remember how Mr. Prabowo once said that he would dedicate his life to serving this country,” Wiranto said in front of tens of thousands of people in Langowan, Minahasa, on Monday. 

“He has been blessed by God and has received a mandate from this country. All that remains is that he dedicates his life to this beloved country, “ Wiranto said. 

According to Wiranto, Prabowo is someone who truly understands domestic and foreign affairs -- a trait that is pivotal for a leader’s policymaking. 

“Prabowo is also our defense minister. So he would often accompany President Jokowi. That’s why he knows domestic and foreign affairs,” Wiranto said. 

“Another important trait for a leader to have is that he is someone who is able and is certain to continue building this country.”

Wiranto also finds Prabowo as a person who understands the youth. He added: “This country will be dominated by young people in the future. Why? Because they are smarter and more educated, and there are opportunities to learn more. Mr. Prabowo knows that in the future young people will take over the national leadership.”

Wiranto also talked of his experience of working with five presidents: Soeharto, Habibie, Gus Dur, Megawati, and Jokowi.

“I have experience of knowing how a president works. And what makes a good president,” Wiranto said.