Prabowo Flanked by Jokowi and Gibran at Independence Day Ceremony, State Secretary: Close Besties

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi spoke about President Prabowo Subianto being flanked by Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka after the 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. Pras said that Prabowo and Jokowi have long been friends.

“Yes, that is how it should be. All this time he has been close with President Jokowi, and sometimes on social media people even call them besties,” Pras said at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (17/8/2026).

According to Pras, Prabowo being flanked by Jokowi and Gibran was not a deliberate arrangement. This was because two previous Indonesian presidents were unable to attend the palace event.

“It happened that among the former presidents who were able to attend were Mr Joko Widodo, while Mrs Megawati and Mr SBY were unable to attend. The President, as usual, showed his respect, so the seating arrangement, especially when watching the air demonstration and cultural performances, was adjusted so that some guests moved to the front,” Pras said.

“We adapted to the situation, but due to space limitations not everyone could be at the front. However, this did not diminish our respect as the organising committee,” he added.

The moment Prabowo was flanked occurred after he finished leading the 81st Independence Day ceremony at the Palace in Jakarta. After leading the ceremony, Prabowo took his seat.

Gibran was seen wearing traditional attire from East Nusa Tenggara, while Jokowi wore traditional Balinese attire.

Prabowo’s seat was positioned exactly in the middle. To Prabowo’s right was Jokowi’s seat, and to his left was Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

The three were seen chatting together. Prabowo, Jokowi, and Gibran also appeared to laugh together.

The three watched the fighter jet demonstration together. Occasionally, the three applauded.