President Joko Widodo will receive a visit from an old friend this afternoon – Gerindra chairman and losing 2014 presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto.
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician Pramono Anung confirmed the meeting, saying that Jokowi will receive Prabowo in his capacity as the head of the Pencak Silat Association.
“Pak Prabowo is visiting as the head of the Pencak Silat Association,” Pramono said, as quoted by Warta Kota today.
But it’s highly doubtful and wasteful that Prabowo and Jokowi’s first meeting since Jokowi took office would be to discuss martial arts. Especially given the tough political climate Jokowi finds himself in at the moment.
Gerindra Secretary General, Ahmad Muzani, said that Prabowo and Jokowi would indeed discuss political matters. The man who lost the election will likely offer some words of advice to help get Jokowi through his current political mess.
“It’s not easy to govern and lead a heterogeneous society. A leader needs to be patient and strong,” Muzani said, echoing the advice Prabowo will give to Jokowi, as quoted by Warta Kota.
“He (Jokowi) hasn’t found his place [as a leader]. That needs orientation.”
