Septia Ryanthie, Solo – Former President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo denied claims that President Prabowo is under his control as a "puppet president."
"What I see is that Mr. Prabowo has strong leadership," he said when met at his residence in the Sumber Village, Banjarsari District, Solo, Central Java, on Wednesday, April 7, 2025.
Jokowi added that besides strong leadership, Prabowo also has a strong vision, clear programs, and clear plans to implement said programs.
The father of Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming stressed that he's not Prabowo's only line of communication, but he's also speaking to other former presidents, such as Megawati Soekarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, or SBY.
He even denied that his communication with Prabowo involves seeking advice or input regarding governance. "No, never (communication about advice or input for the government). Yes, we are speaking, but only to congratulate (each other) on New Year, just a 1 a.m. phone call, or a video call on Eid al-Fitr. Never for other purposes," he exclaimed.
Jokowi confirmed that the most recent meeting between the two was when he was invited to break fast together in Jakarta ahead of Eid al-Fitr in 2025. "Yes, when he invited me to break the fast at the Palace," he said.
He also called on people to dismiss the idea that Prabowo is a puppet president under Jokowi's control. "Don't imagine that because he has strong leadership," he said.
Prabowo previously denounced the rumor that he was controlled by the former president. "As if Mr. Jokowi calls me every night," he said on Monday. "It's not true."
– Hendrik Yaputra also contributed to the writing of this article.