State Secretary Explains Why Prabowo Sat Next to Jokowi at Indonesia's Independence Day Celebration

State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi has explained the seating position of President Prabowo Subianto, who sat next to Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo, or Jokowi, while watching the series of events marking the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (17/8).

Prasetyo said that a number of former presidents were invited to this year’s independence commemoration. However, only Jokowi was able to attend, while the 5th President Megawati Soekarnoputri and the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) were unable to be present.

According to Prasetyo, the change in seating position was made especially when President Prabowo watched the aerial demonstration and artistic performances. Prabowo reportedly requested that the seating positions be adjusted so that several guests could be closer to the front.

“We adjusted it situationally, but also because of limitations, not everyone could be at the front, but that does not diminish our respect as the organising committee,” said Prasetyo at Merdeka Palace.

He explained that the adjustment was not something that had been rigidly determined from the outset, but rather followed the conditions during the series of events.

Prasetyo also emphasised that the presence of former presidents still received respect from the committee. The seating position that changed during the event was not intended to reduce respect for the state guests who attended.

“It so happened that among the former presidents who had the opportunity to attend, it was Mr Joko Widodo, while Mrs Megawati and Mr SBY were unable to attend,” he said.

He added that Prabowo, as President, also continued to show respect to the previous leaders who attended the independence commemoration.