Jokowi on Meeting with Prabowo and Former Presidents

Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo revealed the topics discussed at a meeting at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, on Tuesday night, 3 March 2026, that involved a number of former presidents and vice presidents with President Prabowo Subianto. According to Jokowi, Prabowo highlighted two major issues: Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace (BOP) and Indonesia’s tariff policy with the United States. ‘The first is about the BOP. He stated that it is important for Indonesia to be in that forum to build good dialogue so that the world becomes more peaceful,’ Jokowi told reporters at his residence in Sumber, Banjarsari district, Solo, Central Java, on Friday, 6 March 2026. He added that in the discussion, Prabowo explained that tariffs are largely zero. ‘Secondly, regarding tariffs, it was explained that tariffs are mostly zero percent. About 1,800 commodity items are tariff-free,’ he said. Jokowi noted that the public is not widely aware of this policy, but it is important because it could boost Indonesia’s exports to the United States. ‘Tariffs are largely zero because around 1,800 commodity items are granted zero-tariff treatment. This is not widely known by the public. This is important for us so that our exports to the United States will increase, since we already have a surplus with the US, around US$18 billion,’ he stated. In the meeting, Jokowi said attendees also shared views and suggestions with President Prabowo. He noted that discussions were open and constructive. Attendees included former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; former Vice Presidents Jusuf Kalla (the 10th and 12th), Boediono; and Ma’ruf Amin, as well as several party leaders and former foreign ministers. ‘Everyone expressed opinions and made suggestions. I think it is very good if forums like this are held regularly,’ Jokowi said. Among the leaders who attended from Koalisi Indonesia Maju Plus were Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Zulkifli Hasan, Surya Paloh, Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, and Bahlil Lahadalia. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), which is outside the coalition, was represented by Puan Maharani. Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya said the meeting was aimed at discussing geopolitical developments. ‘To exchange views, to maintain ties. The president wants to exchange views with the leaders,’ he said at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday. The gathering also included business figures such as Anindya Bakrie and Shinta Kamdani, along with several ministers in the Red and White Cabinet.