Prabowo Flanked by Jokowi and Gibran While Watching Aircraft Display
A warm moment between President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka occurred during the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta. Prabowo sat between Jokowi and Gibran.
The moment took place after Prabowo finished leading the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at the Palace on Monday (17/8/2026). After leading the ceremony, Prabowo took his seat.
Gibran appeared to be wearing traditional attire from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), 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.
The three were seen chatting together. Prabowo, Jokowi, and Gibran also appeared to laugh together.
The three then watched a fighter jet demonstration together. Occasionally, the three applauded.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi responded to Prabowo’s seating position, flanked by Jokowi and Gibran. Pras said that Prabowo and Jokowi have long been friends.
“That is indeed how it should be. He and President Jokowi have always been close, and on social media people sometimes call them besties,” Pras said at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (17/8).
Pras assessed that Prabowo being flanked by Jokowi and Gibran was not deliberate. This was because two previous Indonesian presidents were unable to attend the Palace.
“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 respect, so the seating arrangement, especially when watching the aerial demonstration and cultural performances, was also adjusted so that some were moved to the front,” Pras said.
“We adapted to the situation, but due to limited space, not everyone could be at the front. However, this does not diminish our respect as the organising committee,” he added.