Prabowo Praises Pramono Anung as a ‘Great Governor’

Prabowo Highlights Cross-Party Cooperation at Jakarta LRT Launch

Tempatdonasi.com – President Prabowo Subianto used the inauguration of the Kelapa Gading–Manggarai Jakarta LRT route on Wednesday to praise Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, saying political differences should not prevent leaders from recognizing good work or collaborating for the public interest.

Speaking at Manggarai LRT Station in Jakarta, Prabowo congratulated Pramono and Deputy Governor Rano Karno on developments in the capital’s public transportation system. The President described Pramono as a capable regional leader even though the two come from different political parties.

“I must admit that if there is a great governor, I acknowledge that he is great,” Prabowo said.

The remarks came as the new LRT connection between Kelapa Gading and Manggarai was formally opened. The route adds to Jakarta’s wider public transport network, an issue of direct importance to residents who rely on rail, buses, and other shared transport options to travel across the city.

Political Competition, Public Service

Prabowo said party affiliation should not become an obstacle when a governor or other public official delivers strong results. In his view, recognizing effective leadership can also encourage officials from every political group to improve their performance and meet their responsibilities.

“Even though they aren’t from my party, this should spur other parties on, right? I mean, they need to do their jobs properly,” Prabowo said.

He emphasized that the relationship between the central government and the Jakarta Provincial Government demonstrates how institutions can work together despite political rivalry. Prabowo noted that he and Pramono had competed against one another in a general election, yet could still cooperate after receiving mandates from the public.

“We come from different parties. We compete in general elections. But we can work together. We can respect one another,” Prabowo said.

For Jakarta, the point has practical significance. Transport projects require coordination among multiple levels of government, from planning and infrastructure development to station access and integration with other modes of travel. The opening of an LRT route is therefore also a visible example of how policy implementation can depend on sustained cooperation beyond party lines.

Prabowo framed that cooperation as part of a larger obligation held by elected officials. Winning an election, he said, creates a responsibility to serve citizens rather than merely represent political interests.

“We are servants of the people. We serve the people. Our thoughts, our energy, and our efforts are all for the people of Indonesia,” he said.

Jakarta’s Economic Momentum

Beyond transportation, Prabowo referred to an economic update presented by Pramono. The Governor had told him that growth in the Jakarta region had increased, that companies previously experiencing weaker conditions were recovering, and that investment had risen sharply.

“The Governor reported earlier that growth in DKI has increased. Companies that were previously somewhat sluggish are now rebounding. Investment has risen tremendously,” Prabowo said.

Jakarta remains central to Indonesia’s economic activity, making its transport and investment environment relevant not only to local residents but also to businesses and workers connected to the capital. Improved public transportation can affect daily mobility by making travel between major areas more connected, while broader economic growth and investment can shape business activity across the city.

The President did not present the LRT inauguration as a standalone achievement. Instead, his comments linked transport expansion, economic conditions, and political cooperation to a broader vision of effective governance. The message was that progress is more achievable when leaders focus on shared public objectives, regardless of where they stand in electoral competition.

A Call for Mutual Cooperation

Prabowo said Indonesia’s development depends on leaders being able to work with one another. He described mutual cooperation as both necessary and consistent with the country’s aspiration to advance through collective effort.

“If leaders can work together—can engage in mutual cooperation, and indeed must do so—this nation will rise to become an extraordinary nation,” he said.

The Kelapa Gading–Manggarai LRT launch provided the setting for that appeal. As Jakarta continues to develop its public transportation infrastructure, the President’s praise for Pramono and acknowledgment of different political backgrounds underscored his argument that public service should remain the common priority.

For commuters, the new line represents another part of the city’s evolving transport landscape. For the national and provincial governments, the ceremony highlighted a different point: political competition may be part of democracy, but cooperation remains essential when leaders are expected to deliver services, support growth, and respond to the needs of Indonesia’s people.