Independent Report – Jokowi, Indonesia’s 7th President, admitted that he had been requested by President Prabowo Subianto to deliver a speech at the peak event of the Gerindra Party’s 17th anniversary celebration. The event took place at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC) in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Initially, Gerindra Party Secretary-General Ahmad Muzani and Gerindra Party DPP Daily Chair Sufmi Dasco Ahmad approached Jokowi with a request for him to give a speech. However, Jokowi initially rejected the request. The two Gerindra leaders stated that Prabowo himself made this request directly.
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Jokowi shared that since the request came from the nation’s highest authority, he felt obligated to comply. “Because the one who commands is the country’s supreme commander, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, I said I’m ready, Sir!” Jokowi said while showing a gesture of respect toward Prabowo. His words were met with applause and cheers from the audience and Gerindra Party cadres. Meanwhile, Prabowo smiled broadly alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
After the speech, Prabowo also honored Jokowi with a traditional keris (dagger), a symbol of respect. The two leaders then exchanged handshakes, displaying a moment of camaraderie and unity.
Prabowo thanked Jokowi during the event, expressing his gratitude for the outgoing president’s support of the current government. He especially acknowledged Jokowi’s contributions to the Asta Cita program, which includes initiatives like Free Nutritious Meals (MBG). Prabowo highlighted that the assessment of his first 100 days in office was not entirely accurate. Jokowi had already been working with him well before his formal inauguration as president.
Prabowo remarked, “Perhaps it should be 200 days, not just 100. Before the handover, he kept calling me.” He emphasized that Jokowi’s collaboration and guidance were vital even before the official transition of power.
Prabowo also discussed the formation of the National Nutrition Agency, which played a key role in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals program. He noted that Jokowi had set up the agency before stepping down as president. “Usually, there are cynics who doubt how we can provide meals. They question whether we have the funds. But we do have the funds, and Mr. Joko Widodo was the one who formed the National Nutrition Agency and signed it into existence before October 20,” Prabowo explained.
Since its launch, the Free Nutritious Meals program has benefited around one million Indonesian children. The government aims to extend the program to reach 6 million students by the end of July 2025. Prabowo reiterated that the program’s groundwork began long before he assumed office, with Jokowi’s active involvement in its formation and implementation.
As of now, the Free Nutritious Meals initiative continues to grow, thanks to the collaborative efforts between Jokowi and Prabowo, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to support the country’s children with healthy, nutritious meals.
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