Daniel A. Fajri, Jakarta – Political observer from Al Azhar University Indonesia, Ujang Komarudin, assessed that the willingness of President Prabowo Subianto to meet with the 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is a form of loyalty and commitment of a soldier. He emphasized the success of the partnership between Jokowi and Prabowo in the 2024 presidential election or Pilpres.
Ujang mentioned that even if Prabowo won together with Jokowi's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the major contribution was from Jokowi. Therefore, he considered that Prabowo preferred to directly discuss strategic decision-making and political matters such as regional elections with Jokowi.
"The representation of Gibran is within Jokowi. Therefore, Jokowi is the one being met. In my opinion, Gibran's position cannot be involved in making strategic decisions. Therefore, it is the father who is being met and engaged in discussion, like that," said Ujang when contacted on Monday, November 4, 2024.
The face-to-face meeting between Prabowo and Jokowi in Solo on Sunday night took place while they enjoyed dinner. The meeting lasted for almost 1.5 hours. Prabowo picked up Jokowi from his residence to enjoy food at Angkringan Omah Semar.
General Secretary of the Gerindra Party, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, declined to comment when asked about the meeting between Prabowo and Jokowi last night via a short message in the morning. After the meeting, Prabowo did not reveal much about the content of the discussion with Jokowi. The former Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command claimed that they did not discuss politics.
"We talked about this and that," Prabowo said while laughing when responding to questions from the media. When asked what they discussed, Prabowo instead mentioned that he and Jokowi had Javanese fried rice together and it was very delicious.
Meanwhile, Jokowi mentioned that the dinner together at Angkringan Omah Semar was his initiative. "Hopefully President Prabowo is always given smoothness and health in the midst of his enthusiasm to build Indonesia," he stated in a message on social media on Monday, November 4, 2024.
Political observer Adi Prayitno stated that the meeting between Prabowo and Jokowi was merely a form of regular political civility between leaders and elites. Adi believed that Prabowo needs Jokowi because communication with the former president is necessary to build the nation.
"There is no concept of Prabowo not moving on from Jokowi. Prabowo is a great person, his political support is extraordinary, quite solid," said Adi Prayitno.