Prabowo Jokes About Workers' Excitement Over Teddy's Name: I'm the President, Not Him

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto unleashed a spontaneous joke while opening his speech at the International Labour Day 2026 commemoration at Monas on Friday (1/5).

The joke emerged as he gave introductory remarks mentioning the attending officials.

He paused briefly when about to mention the name of Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya. This was because the crowd, especially the women, immediately became excited and shouted before Prabowo could fully state Lieutenant Colonel Teddy’s name from the stage.

“Cabinet Secretary Lieutena…,” said Prabowo, then fell silent due to the interruption from the crowd’s excitement and hysterical shouts at Monas.

“Before I even say the name, you’re already shouting. The ones shouting are the mums! Hey, I’m the president, not him. I’m the president!” Prabowo continued his words in a jocular tone.

Prabowo then proceeded with his speech, before joking again when mentioning the name of Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung.

“Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo… Same name, different party,” said Prabowo, immediately met with laughter from the crowd.

“No problem. For the workers, there is no party to defend the interests of the workers!” he continued his speech, greeted with thunderous applause from the labour crowd.