Prabowo: SBY Was Always the Best Cadet, While I Was a Cadet Who Could Be Improved

President Prabowo Subianto shared his experiences of being in the same cohort at the Military Academy (Akmil) as the 6th President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).

However, Prabowo noted that SBY graduated ahead of him. “I was in the same cohort as Mr SBY at Akmil. We entered at the same time, but he graduated in the cohort below mine,” Prabowo said during his speech at the peak of the Democratic Party’s 25th Anniversary at Indonesia Arena, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

Prabowo stated that from the very beginning, he saw SBY as a cadet with outstanding abilities during his training at the academy, which allowed him to graduate early with the distinction of best graduate. “It was evident from the start that Mr SBY was indeed the best cadet. But Prabowo Subiante was a cadet who could be improved,” he remarked.

Prabowo also expressed that he felt honoured to attend the 25th anniversary celebration of the Democratic Party, which coincided with the 77th birthday of SBY, the founder and initiator of the party. “I am honoured to be here, amidst the Democratic Party celebrating its 25th anniversary, and simultaneously celebrating the 77th birthday of the founder and initiator of the Democratic Party, the 6th President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,” he explained.

He subsequently linked his military journey with SBY’s to their shared decision to continue their service through politics after completing their duties in the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). “Mr SBY was once a general, and I was too, but we, the TNI, were taught, raised, and nurtured as soldiers of the people,” he said.

According to Prabowo, military education as a soldier of the people fosters the understanding that service to the community must be the primary orientation, including when engaging in politics through democratic mechanisms. He noted that SBY set an example by ending his military career, building a political party, and then approaching the people to seek a mandate through general elections.

“If we are to copy something good, we should. I also formed a party, approached the people, and asked for a mandate,” Prabowo said.

On that occasion, Prabowo mentioned that he had failed to secure a public mandate four times before finally being elected as the President of Indonesia. Similarly, he noted that the Democratic Party has experienced both the heights of power and periods outside of the government.