Don't Call Me Eyang: Prabowo Prefers 'Bang Bowo' or 'Mas Bowo'

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto jokingly remarked that he would prefer to be called “Bang Bowo” or “Mas Bowo” by the extended family of the National Mandante Party (PAN), rather than being addressed as “Mbah” or “Eyang”.

Prabowo made the humorous remark during his speech at the 28th anniversary commemoration of PAN in Jakarta on Friday night, while describing his closeness to the party’s large family.

He stated that while he was formally present in his capacity as President, within such a familial atmosphere, he would prefer to be regarded as a brother or an elder brother.

“I stand here as your brother. I would prefer to be considered your brother, your elder brother, rather than your grandfather,” said Prabowo.

Prabowo then listed several forms of address that he believed the PAN family could use to call him.

“I like it if you call me Bang Bowo. Be careful if you call me Mbah Bowo or Eyang Bowo,” he said, which was met with laughter from the audience.

Prabowo even joked that he would not return to PAN events if addressed with such titles.

“I won’t come back to PAN if you call me that. Bang Bowo is okay, Kang Bowo is okay,” he remarked.

He noted that the title “Kang Bowo” could also be used, particularly by the Sundanese people.

However, among the various options, Prabowo admitted he preferred the name “Mas Bowo.”

“It feels better if called Mas Bowo. Watch out if you call me Aki,” he said, prompting further laughter from the attendees.

The jokes regarding these titles emerged as Prabowo compared the age of PAN with the Gerindra Party.

Prabowo noted that PAN is 28 years old, whereas Gerindra is 17 years old.

He also mentioned having many friends within PAN since before joining Gerindra, stating that these friendships were built on shared values of struggle.

“It is true that we met and became friends because of values, because of the values of struggle,” he said.

The preference for the title “Mas Bowo” was previously expressed by Prabowo in December 2023 during his presidential campaign. During a consolidation of Prabowo-Gibran supporters in Sentul, Bogor, on Sunday (10/12/2023), Prabowo also requested not to be called “Eyang” or “Mbah” and stated he preferred being called “Mas Bowo”.