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February 12, 2025 | 12:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 7th President, Joko Widodo or Jokowi, claims to have never interfered in the government of President Prabowo. Every time he meets with Prabowo, Jokowi admits they never discuss political issues.
"No, I don't meddle. I'm living in Solo now. When we meet, we just have casual conversations," said Jokowi in a special interview with journalist and owner of Narasi TV, Najwa Shihab, aired on Najwa Shihab's YouTube account with the title "(Exclusive) Jokowi on IKN, Gibran, and Adili Jokowi | Mata Najwa" on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Najwa has given Tempo permission to quote the video, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
After his term ended on October 20, 2024, Jokowi was recorded meeting with Prabowo several times. The last time they met was at the wedding of National Mandate Party politician Hatta Rajasa's son, Rasyid Rajasa, and the granddaughter of the 10th and 12th Vice President of RI Jusuf Kalla, Tamara Kalla, on Saturday, February 1, 2025. During the meeting, Jokowi and Prabowo discussed the meaning of interference.
Jokowi stated that the discussion about meddling during the event was only a joke. He also admitted to never giving input to Prabowo. His reason was that Prabowo is a good leader. "I didn't give any input. It might be seen as interference and meddling. He is currently a very good leader," said Jokowi.
According to Jokowi, Prabowo's leadership is well-regarded by the public. This is evidenced by a survey conducted by Kompas Research, which found that public satisfaction with the performance of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka's administration in its first 100 days reached 80.9 percent.
"It's very good, but actually, the numbers are not that important. What matters is that policies such as free nutritious meals are well received by the public. Then, the debt relief for micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) is also very good. The public response has been positive," he said.
Regarding several Prabowo's ministers who frequently visit his home, Jokowi stated that these meetings are merely for maintaining relationships. Tempo's investigation found that several ministers still meet with Jokowi, including Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin and Minister of Cooperatives Budi Arie Setiadi.
Several Tempo reports have indicated that Jokowi was involved in Prabowo's candidacy, both during the election process and after the administration was formed. Jokowi’s maneuvers helped pave the way for his eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to become Prabowo's running mate in the 2024 presidential election.
Jokowi also proposed four of his trusted allies as ministers in Prabowo's cabinet. Additionally, he encouraged Prabowo to support several regional leaders close to him in the 2024 regional elections.
Editor’s Choice: PDIP Politician: Prabowo and Jokowi Should 'Part Ways'
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