Prabowo Subianto Hopes to Become President

Cilacap, Central Java (Antara) - The chief patron of Gerindra Party, Prabowo Subianto, has said that he is optimistic about winning the presidential election on July 9. "(I am) very optimistic," he told newsmen after attending a campaign rally at Krida Nusantara field in Cilacap, Central Java, on Tuesday. The reason for the belief, he said, was the public support he had received. He said that support for Gerindra Party had also increased. "God willing, I will get a mandate from the people (to be president)," he noted. When asked to explain his comment about "a doll" in his speech, the retired army general declined, saying, "You find it yourselves. Who likes lying---who broke the promise." In his speech at the campaign rally attended by thousands of supporters from Cilacap and Banyumas, Prabowo said Indonesia may not be bought by foreigners. "Indonesia will not be bought, and it will not allow itself to be led by dolls from anywhere," he stated. Gerindra has to win at least 25 percent of national votes or 20 parliamentary seats in the upcoming legislative election on April 9 in order to field its own presidential candidate for the election on July 9. If it fails to get the required votes, it has to join hands with other parties to determine the presidential candidate. Among the major contenders for the post of president is Joko Widodo, who has recently been given a mandate by his Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle to run for president. According to surveys, the Jakarta governor is tipped to win the election. Another strong candidate is Aburizal Bakrie, general chairman of the Golkar Party. (*)