Palace Says Prabowo Aware of All Gibran's Working Visits to Eastern Indonesia

Deputy Minister of State Secretary Juri Ardiantoro has stressed that President Prabowo Subianto is aware of the entire series of activities and results of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s visit to eastern Indonesia. From 18 to 21 June 2026, the eldest son of former president Joko Widodo visited various regions, such as East Nusa Tenggara, Gorontalo, and Papua. “Yes, the President (Prabowo) knows everything,” said Juri in response to Vice President Gibran’s working visit to eastern Indonesia, at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Monday, 29 June 2026. However, Juri did not confirm whether Gibran’s impromptu visits to the eastern region were at Prabowo’s instruction. The eastern region of Indonesia has long been known as one of the bases of highest satisfaction with Jokowi’s two terms in office. Gibran’s visit to these areas, which are voter strongholds for Jokowi, is suspected to be an effort to strengthen his political support base. Gibran began his series of working visits in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, and concluded them in Asmat, South Papua. During his four-day visit, Gibran inspected the implementation of the free nutritious meal project, or MBG, met with communities, and attended social and religious events. During the series of visits, Gibran brought along five students from Sanata Dharma University, the University of Indonesia, Pelita Harapan University, Jenderal Soedirman University, and the Indonesian Institute of Arts and Culture. In Ende, NTT, Gibran inspected the implementation of the MBG project at State Junior High School 1 Ndona. He also visited Wolomoni State Elementary School, which was allegedly damaged for the construction of a village cooperative project, known as the red and white kopdes. Then in Gorontalo, Gibran reviewed the construction progress of the Bulango Ulu Dam. Not only that, in Gorontalo the former Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle politician also opened the 17th National Farmers and Fishermen’s Week (PENAS) in 2026. Gibran’s visit continued to West Papua. In South Manokwari, West Papua, he inspected a cocoa production centre. Gibran also attended the opening of the 14th National Church Choir Festival (Pesparawi) in 2026. In South Papua, Gibran visited Asmat Regency. He visited the Asmat Museum of Culture and Progress; inspected the Holy Cross New Cathedral Church and the Agats Diocese Sago Field School; and visited the Perpetua J. Safanpo Regional General Hospital.