Prabowo Jokes with Kadin Leaders Regarding Private Jets and Dual Roles

President Prabowo Subianto made several jokes directed at various officials of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) during a meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (31/07/2026). The President’s remarks touched upon topics ranging from the use of private aircraft to the holding of dual positions.

While addressing James Riady, the Vice Chairman for International Affairs, Prabowo joked that Riady was assigned to the international division to reduce costs for Kadin, as he uses his own aircraft. “The Vice Chairman for International Affairs, Mr James Riady. International affairs are given to Mr James so that Kadin’s costs are reduced. Because he uses his own plane,” Prabowo remarked, prompting laughter from the attendees.

The atmosphere remained light as the President addressed Shinta W. Kamdani, Chairperson of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), who also serves as Kadin’s Vice Chairman for Human Resources Development and Sustainability. Prabowo jokingly questioned whether holding such dual roles was permitted under the organisation’s statutes. “Is it allowed to hold dual positions? Is it allowed? Does it comply with the Articles of Association and Bylaws? Please check, otherwise, there might be a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court,” he said.

Prabowo also directed a joke towards Aziz Syamsuddin, the Vice Chairman for Law, Human Rights, Infrastructure, and Facilities, asking if he was still involved in managing ‘kretet’ and noting they shared a similar hobby. Additionally, the President addressed Chandra Tirta, Head of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Task Force, suggesting that the task force should establish a dedicated office within the Palace grounds due to the importance of the programme.