Democracy remains best system despite persistent challenges: Prabowo

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that despite the challenges and dynamics inherent in democracy, it remains the most effective system for promoting justice, hope, and inclusive governance.

He conveyed this statement in his welcoming speech at a dinner with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 7).

"Democracy is the best system compared to all systems ever tried by human civilization," the president noted.

He acknowledged that in practice, democracy carries various risks.

He also addressed that the democratic process is often marked by challenges and setbacks, as well as attempts by some parties to serve their own interests.

Therefore, Prabowo called on all elements of the nation to maintain trust in democracy to ensure the process adheres to sound principles.

"We must not give up. We must continue to believe in democracy and continue to strive to safeguard it," he pointed out.

On the occasion, Prabowo also expressed his delight at meeting young members of the General Elections Commission (KPU).

He assessed that the experience and lessons learned from election organizers, both in Indonesia and other countries, are crucial in strengthening the quality of democracy.

"Therefore, I am very pleased to meet today with a young member of the General Election Commission. We have also learned very closely from the Indian Election Commission," he added.

Before the dinner, President Prabowo accompanied PM Narendra Modi on a state visit to the Indonesian House of Representatives Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta.

The two were welcomed by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Puan Maharani, Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Ahmad Muzani, and Deputy Speakers of the Indonesian House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal and Sari Yuliati.

PM Modi delivered a speech before President Prabowo, House Speaker Puan Maharani, and invited guests.

His state visit to Indonesia is part of the two countries' efforts to further strengthen diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation in various sectors, from the economy, trade, investment, defense, and culture.

After completing his agenda in Jakarta, the prime minister is scheduled to continue his trip to Yogyakarta.

Together with President Prabowo, he will visit Prambanan Temple to review and inaugurate cooperation on cultural heritage preservation and the temple's restoration program, a symbol of strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries.

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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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