President Prabowo Jokes About Holding Multiple Positions in Kadin: 'Check the Bylaws, or It Might Be Challenged in the Constitutional Court'

The meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and the central and regional executives of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Friday, 31 July 2026, took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Amidst an agenda focused on strategic national economic issues, Prabowo made several jokes that drew laughter from the entrepreneurs in attendance.

One notable moment occurred when the President introduced the Vice Chairman for International Affairs of Kadin, James Riady. Prabowo joked that international affairs should be left to Mr Riady to help reduce Kadin’s travel expenses. “The Vice Chairman for International Affairs, Mr James Riady. International affairs should be given to Mr James so that Kadin’s costs are reduced. Because he uses his own plane,” said Prabowo, which was met with laughter from the participants.

The atmosphere became even more relaxed when Prabowo greeted the Chairperson of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), Shinta W. Kamdani, who was also present as part of the Kadin Indonesia leadership. Noting Shinta’s dual role, the President joked about holding multiple positions, even suggesting the matter might be brought to the Constitutional Court (MK). “Also present here representing various associations is the Indonesian Employers Association, Shinta W. Kamdani. Is holding dual positions allowed? Is it allowed? Does it comply with the Articles of Association and Bylaws? Better check, or it might be challenged in the MK,” Prabowo joked.

The President’s humour continued when introducing the Vice Chairman for Law and Human Rights of Kadin, Azis Syamsuddin, where Prabowo made a playful reference to a shared hobby. Behind the convivial atmosphere, the meeting between President Prabowo and the Kadin Indonesia leadership focused on several strategic issues related to the national economy.