Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – Senior journalist Najwa Shihab has denied claims that she was offered the position to lead the Indonesia's Head of Presidential Communication Office (PCO) as a replacement for Hasan Nasbi.
"No. That information is not true. I am a journalist and will continue to focus on strengthening my media, Narasi," Najwa said when confirmed by Tempo on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The name Najwa Shihab is mentioned as an option for the head of PCO after Hasan Nasbi was evaluated by President Prabowo for the blunder over the pig's head terror statement at the Tempo office.
Her name emerged as a potential candidate for the PCO leadership following President Prabowo's evaluation of Hasan Nasbi, who came under scrutiny for his controversial remarks regarding terror incident at the Tempo office.
The terror included a package containing a pig head without ears, a gift box with six decapitated rats, and digital crimes in the form of doxxing against Francisca Christy Rosana, a political desk journalist and one of the hosts of the Bocor Alus podcast.
Instead of condemning the terror, Head of the Presidential Office Hasan Nasbi actually made a controversial statement. He suggested that the pig head should be cooked.
In addition to being mentioned as a potential head of PCO, Najwa has also been discussed by netizens on social media to join Prabowo's government. She is said to replace the Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid.
Najwa has also denied these rumors.
Tempo attempted to confirm the news of Najwa being a potential head of PCO with the State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi. However, Prasetyo has not responded to the confirmation message sent to his WhatsApp number.
Najwa is widely known as the host of "Mata Najwa" on Metro TV. Through the show, Najwa's name has become more prominent in society due to her sharp and straightforward manner of speaking with various figures.
After her success with Mata Najwa, Najwa departed from Metro TV in 2017. Together with two colleagues, she founded a digital content company called PT Narasi Citra Sahwahita, widely recognized as Narasi TV.
The news of Najwa joining Prabowo's government surfaced after the Head of PCO, Hasan Nasbi, was condemned for his response to the pig head terror experienced by Tempo on March 19, 2025.
– Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article.