The grandson of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno, Didi Mahardhika Soekarno, confirmed his loyalty to President Prabowo Subianto, who is also the General Chairman of the Gerindra Party.
Mahardhika, a member of the Gerindra Party, said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday that his political stance, which differed from the majority of Bung Karno's extended family, was not a momentary decision.
He admitted that he was walking on two mandates that he held firmly, namely the mandate from his mother, the late Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, and the mandate from Prabowo, whom he said was like his own family.
"My mother's message was clear: remain loyal to Mr. Prabowo Subianto and the Gerindra Party. Thank God, I have carried out that mandate since long ago," he said.
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the Gerindra Party, Mahardhika also conveyed his congratulations and hopes that Gerindra will continue to be a political force that maintains national unity.
He explained that his choice to join Gerindra was based on ideological conviction. He believes Gerindra is the party that best represents Bung Karno's values, without dichotomy or attempts to create conflict.
"Gerindra aligns with my ideology. It aligns with the teachings of my grandfather, Bung Karno, but it doesn't clash with anyone," he said.
He also said that his closeness to Prabowo was not only a political relationship, but had become a personal one.
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