Jakarta, ThedailyID — President Prabowo Subianto revealed why he repeatedly ran for Indonesia’s highest office before finally winning the 2024 presidential election.
Speaking at the opening of the 18th National Congress of the HIPMI in Bandar Lampung on Wednesday, June 10, Prabowo said he had pursued the presidency for two decades and endured four election defeats.
“I tried to become president from the 2004 Golkar convention, then in 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024. Five times. I lost four times,” Prabowo said.
He acknowledged that many people questioned why he continued to run despite repeated setbacks.
“People are confused. I’ve lost four times, yet I still wanted to run again. There are analysts and podcast hosts who say, ‘Prabowo really wants to be president because he keeps running over and over,'” he said.
However, Prabowo insisted that his motivation went beyond personal ambition. Instead, he said he felt compelled to seek national leadership because of concerns about Indonesia’s direction.
“Why did I want to become president? Because I saw Indonesia moving in the wrong direction since the 1990s. I’ve seen it for myself. I didn’t want to become president simply for the sake of becoming president,” Prabowo said.
According to him, the country has faced long-standing structural challenges that require major improvements and stronger leadership.
Prabowo first entered the presidential race through Golkar’s convention in 2004. He later became a vice-presidential candidate in 2009 before contesting the presidential elections in 2014 and 2019.
Although he lost those races, Prabowo remained active in national politics. He later served as defense minister before winning the 2024 presidential election.
His remarks offered insight into the persistence behind his political journey. Moreover, they reflected his long-held belief that Indonesia needs significant reforms to achieve its full potential.
