Jokowi Responds to Rumors of Becoming Prabowo's Presidential Advisory Council Member: I'll Just Stay in Solo

Surakarta, CNN Indonesia – Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), has once again been rumored to become a member of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres). The rumors surfaced amid intensifying speculation of a Red and White Cabinet reshuffle in early 2026.

When asked to confirm the reports, Jokowi did not comment much. The father of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka affirmed that he still wants to stay in Solo.

“Enough — I’ll just stay in Solo,” Jokowi said when met at Manahan Stadium in Solo on Friday (2/13).

The former Solo mayor did not answer when asked whether President Prabowo Subianto had discussed a position for Jokowi on the Presidential Advisory Council. He reiterated his desire to remain in his hometown.

“As I’ve said, I’ll just stay in Solo,” he said.

The issue of Jokowi joining Prabowo’s Presidential Advisory Council has surfaced repeatedly since 2024. It first emerged when Jokowi was reported to be taking a seat on the council as he neared the end of his term in September 2024. Jokowi’s name was again mentioned as a strong candidate for the council in 2025, when a polling institute released survey results showing that 80.5 percent of the public agreed with Jokowi becoming Wantimpres chairman.

The speculation has resurfaced in early 2026 amid growing discourse about a Red and White Cabinet reshuffle.