Too Weak and Stupid to Invite Prabowo Subianto to Think About Power for a Second Term in Indonesia
By, Jacob Ereste
Freelance Journalist
Joko Widodo’s statement ordering his volunteers to support President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for two terms was deemed by Titiek Soeharto to be premature and merely a distraction from the impeachment issue being actively voiced by various groups, particularly activists and movements in Indonesia.
Titiek Soeharto’s statement, delivered to reporters at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, received a fairly boisterous response, indicating Joko Widodo’s desire to continue ruling, even though it is not directly in his hands.
From another perspective, Joko Widodo’s statement actually adds to the biased budget for his behavior as a former president, not creating a commotion, but could help build peace and comfort among the community.
President Prabowo Subianto’s primary focus on completing his primary tasks during his first five years in office must be a priority, ensuring they are effectively implemented for the welfare of the people, rather than discussing his next term. This would create the impression that continuing to cling to power would not be a priority in carrying out the people’s mandate.
Even if Prabowo Subianto were to continue his administration for a second term, he would not necessarily choose Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his running mate. Based on his brief experience in his first term, which was less than a year old, public unrest has led to calls for Gibran Rakabuming Raka to resign or be impeached by force. At the very least, the role and contribution of the Vice President, still favored by Joko Widodo, during this incomplete first year has drawn widespread criticism.
This means that Gibran Rakabuming Raka will continue to be preoccupied with the actions of citizens demanding his resignation or impeachment by force. As a result, Gibran Rakabuming Raka is increasingly incapable of carrying out his duties and roles as the President.
Joko Widodo’s ridiculous statement, stating that he had directed volunteers, including Bara JP, to support Prabowo Subianto and Gibran for two terms, was made on September 19, 2025, as reported by detik.Jateng. The impression of supporting two terms for a President and Vice Presidential ticket in Indonesia, less than a year old, seems utterly naive and shameless in expressing his obsession with remaining in power, despite the people themselves having expressed various reasons for their rejection, including doubts about the Vice President’s credentials, which are deemed ineligible for the office of Vice President in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the issue of Joko Widodo’s credentials, which has caused an uproar and has not been fully resolved as of the publication of this article, has further fueled public distrust that governing this country requires honesty and sincerity, not merely for the sake of power. Because efforts to improve and enhance the quality of implementation to achieve maximum results—at least to address the problems of poverty and ignorance—certainly cannot be achieved through falsehood, deceit, and hypocrisy, as everything must be done collaboratively with the entire people.
Titiek Soeharto’s rebuttal, as a key member of the Gerindra Party and a member of parliament, as well as a figure relatively close to Prabowo Subianto—both biologically and ideologically—clearly represents Prabowo Subianto’s thoughts and views, who is uninterested in discussing ongoing ambitions for power as compensation for unfulfilled ambitions during his time in power.
Titiek Soeharto’s wise response to Joko Widodo’s statement, which not only seemed premature but also psychologically flawed—the traumatic past, the unfulfilled lust for power—is truly shameful and demeaning to human dignity. Of course, it is not appropriate to be used as an example, let alone to be emulated by the young generation of Indonesia who must develop a nationalistic attitude for the Indonesian nation and state.
So, it’s indeed too cowardly—to ask Prabowo Subianto to consider a second term in power in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the first term itself—which is less than a year old—still needs to be completed, with various major agendas that must be realized, so that all the people can soon enjoy more real, equitable prosperity. This is not mere wishful thinking or rhetoric. Moreover, it must be camouflaged with various forms of falsehood.**
Banten, September 26, 2025
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