Prabowo Rejects 'Puppet President' Label, Denies Jokowi's Control

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has refuted claims that he is being controlled by former President Joko Widodo or Jokowi. The former Minister of Defense expressed his displeasure at being labeled a "puppet president."  

"Why am I called a puppet president, as if I am being controlled by Pak Jokowi as if Pak Jokowi calls me every night? I tell you, that's not true," he said at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting Room in Central Jakarta on Monday, May 5, 2025.   

He acknowledged frequent telephone communication with Jokowi but clarified that these discussions are limited to consultations regarding the government. "It is true that I consult with him. That's what a wise leader does. Consultation. Asking for opinions, asking for advice. He was in power for 10 years," he explained.

The perception of "twin suns" in the nation's leadership arose following visits by Red and White Cabinet ministers to Jokowi's residence in Solo. These visits occurred during workdays and while President Prabowo was on a trip to five Middle Eastern countries.

Among the cabinet members who visited Jokowi was Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, who visited on April 9, 2025. The previous day, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and Minister of Population and Family Planning Wihaji also visited the residence of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's father.

On April 11, 2025, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin visited Jokowi. In separate statements, both referred to Jokowi as their leader. "A visit to a former boss. Now he is still my boss," said Trenggono.   

Budi Gunadi echoed this sentiment, stating, "This is a visit because Pak Jokowi is my boss."

PKS politician Mardani Ali Sera criticized the cabinet ministers' visits, deeming them inappropriate as they could create the impression of dual leadership within the government. "Maintaining relationships is good. But ensure it's not during work hours and without the President's permission," he stated.

Jokowi, however, dismissed the "twin suns" issue, asserting that there is only one leader: President Prabowo Subianto.

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