Prabowo Asks Verrell Bramasta: Are You an Indonesian Citizen? Are There People from Bali Like You?
During the inauguration of 1,061 Desa Merah Putih cooperatives in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, President Prabowo Subianto shared a lighthearted moment with DPR RI Commission X member Verrell Bramasta. He playfully inquired whether Verrell was an Indonesian citizen.
Prabowo began by greeting several officials present at the inauguration ceremony, including MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani, DPR Speaker Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, and Commission IV Chair Siti Hediati Hariyadi. He also greeted Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan and his team, followed by other ministers, the TNI Commander, the National Police Chief, heads of agencies, deputy ministers, special envoys, and all members of the Merah Putih Cabinet in attendance.
“Almost all ministers are present, except those who have requested leave due to other engagements,” Prabowo stated.
He then turned his attention to Verrell Bramasta, son of actress Venna Melinda. After being acknowledged by Prabowo, Verrell stood up and saluted him. It was at this moment that Prabowo posed his question.
“Are you an Indonesian citizen?” Prabowo asked.
“Yes, Mr. President, I am an Indonesian citizen,” Verrell replied.
“What is your ancestry? What are your roots?” Prabowo continued.
Verrell responded that he was of Balinese and East Javanese descent. Prabowo initially misheard him, thinking he said “Belgium,” but Verrell clarified that it was “Bali.”
“Bali? Are there people from Bali like you?” Prabowo remarked.
Meanwhile, the 1,061 cooperatives that have begun operations consist of 530 units in East Java spread across seven regencies, and 531 units in Central Java spread across eight regencies/cities. The operationalization of these cooperatives is expected to drive local economic growth and strengthen national food security at the village level.
Prabowo emphasized that the inauguration of the 1,061 cooperatives marks a historic milestone for Indonesia. He considered this achievement significant because it was the first time the government had been able to inaugurate thousands of cooperatives that were physically complete and ready to operate in a relatively short period.
“Today is an important day; it is a historic milestone. I believe that if we look at other countries, especially in our nation’s history, there may not be another instance where a country or government has inaugurated the operationalization of over a thousand cooperatives with physical buildings, warehouses, systems, goods, personnel, and logistical elements such as trucks, pickups, and three-wheeled vehicles. I think today is quite significant,” he said.