Prabowo Seated Between Jokowi and Gibran at Independence Day Ceremony, Gerindra: Reflects Good Relations
Gerindra Party spokesperson Bahtra Banong has responded to the moment President Prabowo Subianto sat between Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka during the 81st Independence Day ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta. Bahtra said the moment demonstrated a positive atmosphere of togetherness.
“We interpret the moment of President Prabowo sitting together with Mr Jokowi and Vice President Mas Gibran during the 81st Independence Day ceremony on 17 August 2026 as something natural and indicative of a good atmosphere of togetherness,” Bahtra told journalists on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
Bahtra said every Independence Day ceremony at the Palace indeed invites former presidents and vice presidents. Therefore, he said, it was natural for Jokowi to sit level with Prabowo and Gibran during the ceremony.
“Every 17 August ceremony at the Palace does invite former presidents and vice presidents, including Mr Jokowi. So it is entirely natural for him to sit level with the President and Vice President at that state ceremony,” he said.
The Deputy Chairman of House Commission II said Prabowo’s relationship with previous leaders has also been well maintained. According to him, Prabowo always maintains communication and cordial ties with former leaders.
“Mr Prabowo’s relationship with previous leaders and national figures has also been well maintained. He always keeps communication and cordial ties and respects the leaders who have led Indonesia, including Mr Jokowi,” he said.
“Therefore, if they are seen chatting, smiling or laughing together, I think that is a natural atmosphere and reflects a good relationship,” he continued.
Bahtra believes such conduct should be emulated by the younger generation and political elites. He said the nation’s leaders can sit together in one moment to commemorate Indonesia’s independence.
“Mr Prabowo himself has from the outset demonstrated good political commitment and ethics by embracing all elements of the nation. With former presidents, vice presidents, national figures, and various political groups, communication continues to be well maintained,” he said.
“Because for Mr Prabowo, to build Indonesia into a prosperous, sovereign, just and equitable nation, unity and joint work by all national figures and elements of the nation are absolutely necessary for the people’s interests,” he added.
Previously, the moment occurred when Prabowo had finished leading the 81st Independence Day ceremony at the Palace in Jakarta on Monday (17/8/2026). After leading the ceremony, Prabowo sat down in his chair.
Gibran appeared to be wearing traditional attire from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), while Jokowi wore traditional Balinese attire. Prabowo’s chair was exactly in the middle. To Prabowo’s right was Jokowi’s chair, and to Prabowo’s left was Gibran Rakabuming.
The three were seen chatting together. Prabowo, Jokowi and Gibran also appeared to laugh together. The three also watched the fighter jet demonstration together. Occasionally the three applauded.