Prabowo Denies Intervention by Former Presidents Jokowi and SBY
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Jakarta – President Prabowo subianto has publicly refuted claims that former Indonesian presidents Susilo Bambang yudhoyono, widely known as SBY, and Joko “Jokowi” Widodo are interfering with his presidential management. Speaking at the closing of the 6th Congress of the Democratic Party at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jakarta on the evening of Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Prabowo emphasized that he is actively seeking their advice, given their extensive experience leading the nation for a decade each. The remarks aim to quell speculation about the influence of past leaders on the current government, notably concerning Jokowi’s actions during the transition period.
The statement comes amid swirling speculation regarding the influence of past leaders on the current administration,particularly concerning Jokowi’s actions during the transition period. Prabowo’s address seeks to dispel these concerns and assert his autonomy in decision-making while acknowledging the value of experience.
Prabowo’s Outlook on Seeking Advice
Addressing the rumors directly,Prabowo stated:
“Don’t think about it (as) cawe-cawe.I’m the one who asked for advice from Pak SBY.”
Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia
The term “cawe-cawe,” which loosely translates to meddling or intervention, has been used in the Indonesian political context to describe actions perceived as undue influence. Prabowo’s denial seeks to reframe his interactions with the former presidents as a proactive effort to gain insights from their years of leadership. This is particularly significant given the history of Indonesian politics and the respect often afforded to elder statesmen.
Furthermore, Prabowo clarified that these consultations are purely for advisory purposes, stating that neither SBY nor jokowi has ever requested anything in return for their guidance. This assertion aims to dispel any notions of quid pro quo or hidden agendas behind the advice he receives. The president’s emphasis on the advisory nature of these interactions is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring transparency in governance.
Acknowledging the Experience of Former Leaders
Prabowo underscored the importance of learning from experienced leaders, emphasizing the value of their insights in navigating the complexities of governing a nation. He stated, Only a fool doesn’t learn from these two figures.
This remark highlights his respect for SBY and Jokowi’s tenures and his willingness to draw upon their knowledge to inform his own leadership. The acknowledgment of past leaders’ experience is a common practice in many political systems, but it takes on particular meaning in Indonesia, where respect for elders and established figures is deeply ingrained in the culture.
background: Jokowi’s Alleged Interventions
While Prabowo denies current intervention, reports have suggested that Jokowi engaged in cawe-cawe practices during his final term. These alleged interventions included ensuring his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s, vice-presidential candidacy through a Constitutional Court ruling. Additionally,Jokowi reportedly proposed several trusted individuals as ministers in Prabowo’s future cabinet and attempted to influence the budget to support the continuation of his policies,particularly the construction of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) project.
jokowi’s aspiring plan to relocate the capital from Jakarta to Penajam Paser Utara in East Kalimantan faced challenges, including a lack of investors and incomplete infrastructure. Moreover,reports indicated that Jokowi pushed for the removal of Soeharto’s name from the People’s Consultative Assembly decree on corruption,collusion,and nepotism,possibly paving the way for the government to bestow the title of national hero upon the former New Order ruler. prabowo himself proposed this award for his former father-in-law in 2014. These past actions provide context for the current denials and highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the appropriate role of former leaders in Indonesian politics.
Conclusion
President Prabowo Subianto’s denial of intervention by former presidents Jokowi and SBY aims to address public concerns and assert his leadership. While acknowledging the value of their experience and seeking their advice, Prabowo maintains that he is not subject to undue influence. The context of these statements includes past allegations of Jokowi’s interventionist practices, adding complexity to the narrative of presidential transitions and the influence of former leaders in Indonesian politics. The coming months will be crucial in determining the extent to which Prabowo can establish his own distinct leadership style while navigating the legacy of his predecessors.
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Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in Indonesian politics and Southeast Asian studies, welcome to World-Today-News.com. President Prabowo’s recent statements denying interference from former Presidents Jokowi and SBY have ignited a firestorm of debate.Can you shed light on the complexities of this situation?
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The situation surrounding President Prabowo’s relationship with his predecessors is far more nuanced than a simple “interference” narrative suggests. it highlights the delicate balance between respecting the experience of elder statesmen and establishing a new, independent administration in Indonesian politics. The use of the term cawe-cawe, meaning interference or meddling, is key, as it speaks to deeply rooted cultural expectations and perceptions of political influence in Indonesia.
Understanding Cawe-Cawe: A Cultural and Political Lens
Interviewer: The term “cawe-cawe” seems central to understanding the public perception. Can you explain its importance within the Indonesian political context?
Dr. Sharma: absolutely. cawe-cawe transcends a simple translation; it encompasses perceptions of undue influence,patronage,and the potential for corruption. In Indonesian society, respect for elders and authority is highly valued. However, this respect can be easily viewed as cawe-cawe when perceived actions of senior figures impact policy and governance decisions. This is especially true if these actions do not adhere to established transparency and accountability norms.The concerns surrounding Jokowi’s alleged cawe-cawe during his presidency, specifically as described in the alleged interventions concerning the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) project, his son’s political ambitions and other instances, fueled public anxieties about such influence.President Prabowo’s efforts to distance himself from this perception – by framing his consultations as proactive requests for advice and emphasising the advisory rather than directive nature of such exchanges – are crucial in navigating this delicate cultural space.
Interviewer: Prabowo insists he’s actively seeking advice, not succumbing to influence. How does this reconcile with concerns of potential undue influence from former presidents?
Dr.sharma: This is where the complexity lies.While Prabowo’s assertion that he proactively sought advice from both Jokowi and SBY is credible, the potential for misinterpretation remains notable, especially given Indonesia’s political history and the cultural weight given to the opinions and involvement of previous leaders. Indonesia’s system of goverment, while democratic, retains nuances associated with hierarchical structures and authority deeply ingrained in the culture. Therefore,even if advice is sought rather than imposed,interpreting the motivations and ramifications of these advisors’ potentially subtle influence is vital. The situation calls for transparency and open communication to reassure the public that decision-making remains firmly within the current president’s authority. This is essential to maintain public trust and confidence in the government.
Transparency and Accountability: The Path Forward
Interviewer: What steps can President Prabowo take to further quell concerns and ensure transparency in his governance?
Dr.Sharma: Several steps could enhance transparency. Firstly, clearly defining the formal channels and protocols for consultations with former presidents would be beneficial. This could involve setting documented guidelines for information exchange, meeting procedures, and decision-making processes. Secondly, making public the broad themes discussed during these consultations, without necessarily divulging sensitive details of policy formulation, could considerably boost public confidence.Thirdly, ensuring consistent and proactive communication with the public about major policy decisions, highlighting the decision-making process, and referencing inputs from experts or advisors – even former heads of state – would be critical. This approach could successfully decouple the notion of advice-seeking from the potentially negative connotations associated with cawe-cawe.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for providing such valuable insight into this critical aspect of Indonesian politics. What key takeaways should readers remember about the prabowo presidency and the role of former leaders?
Dr. Sharma: The Prabowo presidency faces the challenge of balancing respect for tradition with the need for strong, independent leadership. It’s crucial to understand the cultural context inherent in discussions surrounding cawe-cawe – a culturally nuanced term that goes beyond the simple translation of “meddling”. Transparency, clear communication, and well-defined mechanisms for engagement with former presidents are essential steps to build public trust and ensure accountability in governance. The coming years will be critical in observing how President Prabowo navigates these delicate political and cultural dynamics. We encourage readers to share your thoughts and analysis on this complex issue in the comments section below.