Renewed spotlight on Prabowo-Jokowi ties after recent meeting in Jakarta

Pair likely on good terms for now, but this may change near next election, say analysts

- Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja

There has been speculation about increased tensions between former Indonesian president Joko Widodo (left) and his successor Prabowo Subianto, seen here in Jakarta in August 2024, given Mr Prabowo's dismissal of senior officials appointed by his predecessor in recent months.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

The relationship between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his predecessor Joko Widodo has come under the spotlight again after their recent meeting in Jakarta.

While details of what they discussed were scarce - an official statement said they exchanged views on state affairs, without elaborating - the meeting on Oct 4 has renewed attention on the dynamics between the two.

There has been speculation about increased tensions between the duo who were rivals at the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections, given Mr Prabowo’s dismissal of senior officials appointed by his predecessor in recent months.

But analysts told The Straits Times that the two men would likely stay on good terms amid the current challenges faced by Indonesia.

Mr Agung Baskoro, executive director of political research group Trias Politika Strategis, said they need each other now amid growing domestic and global challenges.

Mr Prabowo will continue to seek advice from Mr Widodo and will want to ensure political stability until at least 2028, a year before the next presidential election in 2029, he added.

Southeast Asia’s largest economy is currently grappling with weakening purchasing power and rising unemployment in the formal sector, amid persistent pressure on the rupiah due to the strengthening US dollar.