Prabowo Calls Himself a 'News Junkie' and Wakes Up Early to Track the Headlines

6 hours ago 5

March 20, 2026 | 03:03 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto admitted to being addicted to consuming news. During a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday night, March 19, 2026, the Chair of the Gerindra Party referred to himself as a "news junkie."

He shared his story during a question-and-answer session in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, which took place from Wednesday night to Thursday dawn. Prabowo said that he often wakes up in the early hours of the morning to follow the development of global events. He usually uses social media platforms such as YouTube to access various news portals.

If there are important events in other parts of the world, Prabowo intentionally wakes up early to get the earliest information since these events are often reported during sleeping hours in Indonesia due to the time zone difference.

"So, I have to follow what's happening. And that's probably what keeps me always a bit up to date," said the former defense minister during Joko Widodo's era.

On the other hand, however, Prabowo mentioned that he makes sure to get enough rest. "Sleep is important," he added.

The discussion took place when the President met with several journalists and observers at his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java. The interview and discussion, attended by six guests at his home, lasted until the early hours of the morning.

The moment of the meeting was uploaded on Instagram @presidenrepublikindonesia, managed by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia's Communication Bureau. "The President held discussions and interviews with several journalists, observers, and experts," the account wrote on Wednesday night, March 18, 2026.

According to the post, the discussion and interview addressed current issues in response to global geopolitical dynamics and the development of domestic policies.

The discussion and interview took place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The meeting started at 19.00 GMT+7 and lasted for 6 hours and 30 minutes, concluding at 01.30 GMT+7 the next day.

Two journalists who interviewed Prabowo attended the event. They were Najwa Shihab, the founder of Narasi Newsroom, and Retno Pinasti, the managing editor of SCTV and Indosiar.

Meanwhile, the other four guests were observers, consultants, and content creators. They were Hasan Nasbi, a political consultant and former head of the presidential communication office (PCO); Muhammad Chatib Basri, an economist and former finance minister; Rizal Mallarangeng, the founder of the Freedom Institute; and Mardigu Wowiek Prasantyo, a content creator and entrepreneur.

Read: Prabowo Opens Free Meal Program Kitchens to Public Complaints

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