Anies Baswedan, the potential future president, has delivered a compelling statement regarding the bountiful agricultural harvests in Gorontalo, all without the need for a food estate or food reserve program. His words were spoken during the Desak Anies event on Monday, January 8, 2024 in response to a moderator’s question about his recent visit to Gorontalo.
The former Jakarta Governor highlighted Gorontalo’s potential for developing a wide range of agricultural products, including chocolate, coconuts, and cassava. “And the cassava here is a resounding success,” Anies enthused, as shared on his YouTube channel.
In Anies’s vision, Gorontalo stands as a shining example of how financial support for farmers’ production can outshine the need for a food estate. He expressed optimism in spreading this message from Gorontalo to the entire nation.
But that’s not all, Anies also playfully referred to Prabowo Subianto’s turn of phrase, transforming “omong-omong” (talk) into the humorous “omon-omon.” “Thank goodness the harvest was successful. If it failed, then it’s just ‘omon-omon’. But with success, there’s no need for ‘omon-omon’,” he declared.
During the intense presidential debate, Prabowo Subianto responded to Anies’s comments about building relations with Southern countries. Anies stressed the importance of focusing not only on domestic economy but also on engaging with these nations.
Prabowo agreed with a fellow candidate’s emphasis on trade relations with Southern countries but questioned Anies’s response, deeming it excessively chatty. “If it’s factual and sensible, I’m on board. But if it’s all talk-talk-talk, well, what’s that about?” the Defence Minister pondered.
In Prabowo’s eyes, Indonesia should serve as a model for other nations, not just making promises at international forums. “It’s all about action, not just talk, talk, talk,” the Chairman of the Gerindra Party stressed, gesturing animatedly as if deep in conversation.
Through Anies Baswedan’s insightful observations and Prabowo Subianto’s call for action, Gorontalo’s agricultural scene unfolds as a captivating tale of victory and potential for Indonesia’s future. These narratives woven on the debate stage provide enthralling glimpses into the dreams and ambitions of the nation’s leaders-in-waiting. And with the election drawing closer, the unveiling of this story promises to be a fascinating journey.
