President Prabowo Praises SBY as 'Best Military Academy Cadet'

President Prabowo Subianto praised former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) as the 'best military academy cadet' during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Democratic Party. Prabowo mentioned that he and SBY entered the Military Academy (Akmil) in the same year, 1970. "I was in the same batch as Mr. SBY at the military academy. We entered in the same batch, but he graduated in the batch below. It was clear from the start that Mr. SBY was indeed the best cadet. However, Prabowo Subianto was a cadet who could be improved," Prabowo said. SBY entered Akmil Magelang in 1970 and graduated in 1973. Meanwhile, Prabowo entered in 1970 and graduated in 1974. Prabowo stated that he and SBY followed similar political paths after retiring from the TNI. Both founded parties and became Presidents of Indonesia. "If we want to continue to serve and dedicate ourselves in the political field, we must carry out politics through democracy. I think Mr. SBY set an example, retired, left the army, founded a party, and advanced before the people to receive a mandate," he explained. "The same goes for me. If... if it's okay to copy good examples. I also founded a party, went before the people, and asked for a mandate. I didn't get it four times, but eventually, I did," he added. On this occasion, Prabowo congratulated the Democratic Party on its 25th anniversary and SBY on his 77th birthday. He expressed his pleasure at being able to attend the event. "I want to express my thanks for the honor given to me to be present here amidst the Democratic Party celebrating its 25th anniversary and, at the same time, the 77th birthday of the founder and initiator of the Democratic Party, the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia, General TNI (Ret.) Prof. Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono," Prabowo stated.