Prabowo Jests About Nganjuk, Suggesting a Dip in the River to Become a Great Figure
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto jokingly suggested that people should bathe in the river of Nganjuk, East Java, in order to become great figures.
Initially, Prabowo greeted the Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, who was also present at the inauguration of the Marsinah Museum and Guest House in Nglundo Village, Sukomoro District, Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday (16 May 2026).
“The Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Ms. Arifah Fauzi. She seems to be from East Java. From Nganjuk? Well, Nganjuk has produced great figures,” Prabowo said before inaugurating the Marsinah Museum.
He then continued his joke, suggesting that people should bathe in the river of Nganjuk because the city in East Java always produces great figures.
“You should bathe in the river of Nganjuk so that you can become a great figure. Come on, who wants to become President? Go to Nganjuk at night (and bathe in the river), so that no reporters will see,” he said, which was met with laughter from the guests.
After the joke, Prabowo continued with his speech, mentioning the names of the guests present.
Prabowo arrived at the location at around 08:45 WIB. The inauguration ceremony will begin at 09:00 WIB with two main speeches, one from KSPI President Andi Gani and the other from the President.
After that, Prabowo will be invited to tour the museum area, which was built to record the life journey and struggles of Marsinah. The museum displays Marsinah’s life journey from childhood to the end of her life as a symbol of the struggle for workers in Indonesia. In the back of the museum, there is also a free guest house for pilgrims from outside the area who do not have accommodation. KOMPAS.com is committed to providing clear, trustworthy, and balanced facts. Support the sustainability of clear journalism and enjoy comfortable reading without ads through Membership. Join KOMPAS.com Plus now.