Prabowo Quips About Bahlil's Applause: Is It Because Fuel Prices Didn't Rise?

President Prabowo Subianto made a light-hearted remark when Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia received thunderous applause from members of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). Prabowo suggested the reaction might be due to the fact that subsidised fuel prices have not been increased.

The quip was delivered during the closing ceremony of the NU Mubes and Konbes 2026 in Bangkalan, East Java, on Tuesday (23/6/2026). Prabowo was greeting members of the Red and White Cabinet, including Bahlil.

“Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saudara Bahlil Lahadalia,” Prabowo said, prompting a loud ovation from the audience.

Prabowo paused his address briefly before commenting on the stable subsidised fuel prices. “Is it because fuel prices didn’t go up? The one who made sure they didn’t go up is the President,” he said, drawing another enthusiastic response from the crowd.

Prabowo then continued acknowledging his cabinet members, noting the strong presence of NU figures within his administration. “This Red and White Cabinet has a lot of NU members. NU is truly great. It is everywhere. All parties have NU representation, so NU never loses. If you want to study politics, you should learn from NU,” he said.