Thousands of excited people, pumped up by the loud, booming music, cheered and chanted Mr Prabowo's name as he stepped out of a white Toyota Alphard at 9.20am (10.20am Singapore time).
Clad in a blue shirt and wearing a navy blue cap, he made his way to the campaign rally stage, while supporters rushed to touch his hands, or snap pictures on their mobile phones.
The fervent reaction from the crowd, many also clad in blue, the colour that to Mr Prabowo symbolises peace, was testament to the presidential candidate's popularity in his stronghold of West Java.
Indonesia's largest province, which has some 35.7 million voters, representing 17 per cent of the overall vote, was one of the few that he won over incumbent President Joko Widodo in the 2019 polls. It is also where he hopes to beat his rivals, Mr Anies Baswedan and Mr Ganjar Pranowo, in the upcoming Feb 14 elections, which are also for legislators and councillors at the national and regional level.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin January 28, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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