In the wake of the 2024 presidential election quick count results favoring Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, world leaders took to social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to extend their congratulations. The scene unfolded with a mix of diplomatic courtesy and public scrutiny, as Prabowo's responses garnered attention from netizens.
In a recent Instagram post, Prabowo was depicted receiving congratulatory phone calls from leaders across the globe. The post, shared on his official account, showcased Prabowo's engagement with heads of state, including the Prime Minister of Australia, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, the Prime Minister of Singapore, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and the President of Sri Lanka. Expressing gratitude, Prabowo underscored the importance of awaiting the official results from the General Election Commission (KPU).
Continuing the diplomatic exchanges, Prabowo welcomed a visit from the British Ambassador, H.E Dominic Jermey, who conveyed a letter of congratulations from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak.
On Twitter, Prabowo personally responded to several world leaders, reciprocating the well-wishes received, notably from the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala.
While many expressed their congratulations to Prabowo, some netizens highlighted the provisional nature of his lead, emphasizing the distinction between quick count results and the official tally by the KPU. Despite the congratulatory messages pouring in from abroad, there were voices cautioning against premature celebrations until the real count is finalized.
"Congratulations, Pak Wowo! Don't forget to celebrate your victory, and may you govern Indonesia with integrity and prosperity," remarked one user on Instagram.
"Even global leaders are extending their congratulations, while domestic discourse remains divided," noted another comment on Instagram.
"Congratulations to Prabowo and Mas Gibran! It's truly rewarding to support you both. Finally, you've become the President of Indonesia," exclaimed a user on X.
"The circle around Pak Wowo is formidable; receiving congratulations directly from influential figures showcases his stature," expressed a staunch supporter.
"Prabowo is merely acknowledging the well-wishes from other prominent figures. He's not claiming victory prematurely," opined a social media user.
While some scrutinized Prabowo's response, questioning the validity of his victory amidst ongoing ballot counting, others urged for a swift declaration by the KPU to quell uncertainties.
"Has Prabowo won already? Why are votes still being counted? The KPU should announce the results promptly, so we can express our gratitude," urged one commenter.
In the midst of global felicitations and domestic deliberations, Prabowo's acknowledgment of international support and his measured responses navigate the delicate terrain of post-election dynamics, underscoring the importance of patience and adherence to democratic processes. As the nation awaits the official outcome, the discourse surrounding Prabowo's acknowledgment of congratulations serves as a microcosm of broader discussions on electoral integrity and democratic values.