Prabowo Seated Between Jokowi and Gibran at Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, Gerindra Responds

Gerindra Party spokesperson Bahtra Banong has responded to the moment when President Prabowo Subianto and Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo sat together during the 81st Independence Day celebrations at the Presidential Palace.

Bahtra said the moment should not be interpreted as anything in particular. He stated that the relationship between Prabowo and Jokowi shows that the two leaders remain on good terms to this day.

“Mr Prabowo has always said that his communication with previous leaders is very good,” Bahtra said at the DPR Building in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

“With other presidents as well, former President SBY for example, Mrs Mega too, and especially Mr Jokowi,” he added.

Furthermore, Prabowo had previously served as a minister in Jokowi’s cabinet, so the relationship between the two has continued to this day.

“And if we look at it, Mr Prabowo at certain moments also visits and meets with Mr Jokowi,” Bahtra said.

The moment when Jokowi and Prabowo sat side by side occurred during the 81st Independence Day celebrations at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, 17 August 2026.

At that time, Jokowi, Prabowo, and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka sat in a row during the flag-raising ceremony. Prabowo sat in the middle, while Jokowi and Gibran sat to his right and left.