By: Andi Ramli
The inauguration of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2024-2029 period marks an important transition in Indonesian political history. The event, scheduled to take place on October 20, 2024, in addition to being an official moment of inauguration, will also be enlivened by an event entitled “People’s Stage” which invites the public to join in celebrating the change of leadership. This activity is expected to be a meaningful people’s party, not only as a form of gratitude, but also as a momentum to celebrate togetherness and the spirit of optimism of the community towards the future of Indonesia.
Secretary of the Prabowo-Gibran National Campaign Team (TKN), Nusron Wahid, said that the “People’s Stage” event was designed to celebrate the leadership transition with the spirit of unity and diversity of Indonesian culture. He invited all people, regardless of their political choices in the election, to jointly welcome the inauguration of Prabowo Subianto as president. Nusron explained that this event was not only an event to celebrate the inauguration, but also a form of gratitude to President Jokowi who has led Indonesia for two terms.
In addition, Nusron added that this event will be enlivened by various entertainments that reflect the richness of Indonesian culture. Entertainment stages, music concerts, UMKM bazaars, and free food offerings are part of the series of events along Jalan Sudirman to the Merdeka Palace. The public will also get the opportunity to witness Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming directly who will greet the public on each stage after the inauguration procession.
Public support for this inauguration also came from various regions. The Chairman of the Gerindra DIY Regional Leadership Council (DPD), Danang Wicaksana Sulistya, explained that sympathizers and supporters of Prabowo Subianto from various regions, including Yogyakarta, will also be present in Jakarta to enliven the people’s party. According to Danang, the euphoria of the community in welcoming this inauguration is proof of solid support for Prabowo and Gibran. He is optimistic that Prabowo-Gibran’s leadership will lead Indonesia in a better direction, in accordance with the hopes of the people who want significant change.
Furthermore, Danang emphasized that the participation of Gerindra DIY cadres in this event was not only a symbol of support, but also a form of optimism towards the new government. He believes that the Prabowo-Gibran government will continue the development programs that have been started by President Joko Widodo, and bring Indonesia towards better prosperity.
Public optimism does not only appear in the form of celebrations, but also great expectations for the new government. Director of Rumah Politik Indonesia, Fernando Emas, explained that the public’s enthusiasm in welcoming the inauguration of Prabowo-Gibran reflects their hopes for a better future. Fernando said that the public hopes that the new government can immediately work and continue the programs that have been running during the Jokowi era. In addition, Fernando also emphasized the importance of maintaining national stability during this leadership transition process, considering the great euphoria felt by the public.
Meanwhile, Head of DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency, Syafrin Liputo, suggested that people who want to attend the people’s party use public transportation such as MRT, LRT, and Transjakarta. This step was taken to reduce congestion and ensure smooth public access to the event location. A similar thing was also conveyed by the Director of Traffic Police of Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Latif Usman, who asked the public to comply with parking regulations and use the parking areas that have been provided for the smooth running of the event.
Optimism towards Prabowo-Gibran’s leadership also came from religious leaders. The General Chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, expressed his hopes for the new government. He assessed that Prabowo’s clear and firm vision had raised great hopes among the people. Gus Yahya, on behalf of PBNU and all Nahdlatul Ulama members, invited all Indonesian people to support the new government and work together to realize a better Indonesia under the leadership of Prabowo-Gibran.
Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of Brigade 08, Zecky Alatas, conveyed the public’s optimism towards the future of Indonesia under the leadership of Prabowo-Gibran. He hopes that the cabinet formed by Prabowo-Gibran can encourage programs that are beneficial to the community, and can improve the welfare of the nation. According to Zecky, the public is confident that this leadership will bring positive changes and improve economic and social conditions in Indonesia.
The people’s party held along Jalan Sudirman to Monas is not just a celebration, but also a symbol of unity and the people’s great hopes for the future of the nation. The Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Heru Budi Hartono, explained that the government has prepared various entertainment stages along the celebration route, in collaboration with BUMN and BUMD DKI Jakarta. Heru said that the public is expected to take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the inauguration of Prabowo-Gibran with joy, while also participating in various activities that have been prepared.
This event is also expected to reflect the strong spirit of unity among the Indonesian people, regardless of political differences or cultural backgrounds. With this people’s party, the people showed high enthusiasm in welcoming the new government, while also affirming their great hopes for a better future for Indonesia under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Ultimately, the post-inauguration “People’s Stage” event became more than just a celebration, but a real representation of the people’s hopes and optimism for the future of the nation. With full support from various elements of society, the Prabowo-Gibran government is expected to be able to bring Indonesia to a more advanced, prosperous, and just era.
*) National Political Analyst – Indonesian Democracy Study Forum