Gerindra: Jokowi sitting next to Prabowo shows good relations

It is entirely natural for him to be seated level with the President and Vice President at the state ceremony.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Gerindra Party spokesman Bahtra Banong has said that the moment when Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo sat alongside President Prabowo Subianto at the 81st Independence Day ceremony demonstrates the good relationship between the two.

According to Bahtra, Joko Widodo’s seating position, level with Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, was natural because the Palace had invited former presidents and vice presidents to the state ceremony.

“It is entirely natural for him to be seated level with the President and Vice President at the state ceremony,” Bahtra said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Bahtra believes that the togetherness shown by Prabowo and Joko Widodo can serve as an example for all elites in Indonesia, both those still in office and those who no longer hold positions.

According to him, Prabowo, who is also the General Chairman of the Gerindra Party, has committed to embracing all elements of the nation, including former leaders, national figures, and various political groups.

“For Mr Prabowo, to build Indonesia into a prosperous, sovereign, just and thriving nation, unity and joint work by all national figures and elements of the nation for the benefit of the people are absolutely essential,” he said.

The moment was seen as the three watched a series of entertainment following the Ceremony Commemorating the Seconds of the Proclamation of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (17/8).

The three appeared to enjoy the entertainment programme held after the ceremony. Prabowo and Joko Widodo were also seen conversing, with laughter exchanged between them on several occasions.