List of 8 Special Guests at Prabowo's 2026 MPR Annual Session
President Prabowo Subianto introduced eight special guests at the MPR Annual Session at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (14 August). These special guests were representatives of beneficiaries of the government’s strategic programmes, introduced alternately by Prabowo during his State Address.
Here are brief profiles of Prabowo’s special guests at the MPR session:
- Joko Puro
Joko Puro is the head of a farmers’ group from Purwosari Village, Ngawi, East Java. He has reportedly been working as a farmer for 20 years. “With the water, technology, and fertiliser provided by the government, he is now able to harvest three times a year with a productivity of up to 9 tonnes of rice per hectare,” Prabowo stated. The President also noted that a 20 per cent reduction in fertiliser prices had helped cut his production costs. Prabowo then expressed his appreciation for the hard work of farmers, agricultural extension workers, local governments, the TNI, Polri, state-owned food enterprises, cooperatives, and other elements of the nation.
- Kristina Beno
Kristina is a farmer’s daughter from Merauke, South Papua, currently in the 6th grade of primary school. She was introduced as a recipient of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. “MBG has helped Kristina become fitter, more focused, and more diligent in attending school,” Prabowo said. The President added that for Kristina and tens of millions of other MBG recipients, a plate of food provides the energy to study and the protein to grow healthy bodies, brain cells, muscles, and bones.
- Muhammad Risky Pratama
Muhammad Risky Pratama was mentioned when Prabowo discussed the Sekolah Rakyat (People’s Schools) programme. Risky, 12, is a student at Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Pertama (SRMP) 2 in Medan. Risky was said to have cycled tens of kilometres while carrying around 30 kg of fish to sell. “Imagine a body like this riding a bicycle carrying 30 kg of fish. You are extraordinary, Risky, you are a good kid,” Prabowo said after calling Risky to stand. Risky had previously dropped out of school and was not yet fluent in reading or counting. However, through Sekolah Rakyat, he was able to return to school.
- Citra Nur Ramadhani
Another beneficiary of the Sekolah Rakyat programme introduced was Citra Nur Ramadhani. Citra is from Pangkajene, South Sulawesi. Because she had to help her mother sell peanuts, Citra almost dropped out of school when she reached the 4th grade. She then got the opportunity to attend Sekolah Rakyat and recently won a district-level karate championship. Prabowo also chatted with Citra during his speech. “Citra, how old are you?” Prabowo asked. Citra stood up and appeared to answer that she was 10 years old, although her voice was inaudible. “Well, in 10 years, you can have a boyfriend,” Prabowo said, drawing laughter from the audience. “You can have a boyfriend after you get your black belt in karate. That way, no one will dare mess with you,” he continued.
- Susanah
Susanah, from Bogor Regency, is a daily labourer who works peeling onions. The Family Hope Programme and basic food assistance were reported to have helped secure the education of her children.
- Margarelitha Rohi
Margarelitha Rohi is from Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. She never attended school and had to sell goods while caring for an 80-year-old family member. Margarelitha’s family became recipients of ATENSI social assistance, which includes rice and cooking oil.
- Thelma Humena
Thelma Humena and her family are beneficiaries of the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS) programme. Originally from Manado, Thelma and her family previously lived in a house with a fragile foundation and damaged walls, floors, and roof.
- Andre Kawaru
Finally, Andre Kawaru from Samarinda. He is a night market trader who previously lived in rented accommodation. Andre was reported to now own a home after receiving a subsidised mortgage through the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP).