Palace on Prabowo flanked by Jokowi, Gibran: They've always been close, 'besties'

Presidential Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has clarified the seating arrangement at a recent event where President Prabowo Subianto was pictured between Vice President Gibran Rakabuming and former President Joko Widodo during an air show. Hadi explained that the positioning was situational, adapting to the flow of the event.

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It should be like that. The President and President Jokowi have always been close, and sometimes on social media they even call each other besties.

"It should be like that. The President and President Jokowi have always been close, and sometimes on social media they even call each other besties," Hadi told reporters at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. The three leaders were seen conversing and laughing together while watching the Indonesian Air Force's aerial display.

Hadi further elaborated that the seating arrangement was designed to honor the presence of former presidents. While Widodo was present, former Presidents Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono were unable to attend. "President Prabowo, as Head of State, paid his respects to the former presidents who were present," Hadi said.

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President Prabowo, as Head of State, paid his respects to the former presidents who were present.

The seating was adjusted, particularly during the air show and cultural performances, to allow Prabowo and guests to have a better view. Hadi acknowledged that space limitations meant not all guests could be seated at the front, but emphasized that this did not diminish the committee's respect for attendees. The moment occurred after the 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemoration ceremony.

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Situational, we adjust according to the situation on the ground. However, due to limitations, not everyone could be at the front, but it does not diminish our respect as committee members.