So if you follow American politics whatsoever, you know that billionaire businessman, reality TV star and poofy hair enthusiast Donald Trump is not just a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, he’s actually the current frontrunner. Running on a platform of xenophobia, misogyny and fiscal conservatism, he has managed to capture the imaginations of a wide range of American voters who dig his colorful professional-wrestling-style approach to politics.
Today, Trump trumpeted a new addition to his coalition of highly approving supporters – all of Indonesia, apparently.
That’s according to House Speaker Setyo Novanto, who made a surprising appearance at the end of Donald Trump’s latest press conference at Trump Tower in New York.
As you can see in the video above, Trump seemed to end his speech before bringing Setyo with him back to the podium.
“The speaker of the house of Indonesia, he’s here to see me. Setya Novanto, one of the most powerful men and a great man,” Trump said.
“And his whole group is here to see me today. And we will do great things for the United States is that correct?”
“Yes,” said Setyo.
“Do they like me in Indonesia?” Trump asked.
“Yes, highly,” Setyo said. “Thank you very much.”
So what was Setyo doing at a Donald Trump press conference in New York?
According to Okezone, Setyo was there with other members of the House including Deputy Speaker Fadli Zon, Deputy chairman of House Commission I Tantowi Yahya, Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission III Aziz Shamsuddin and Commission VII member Satya Yudha.
Apparently the group was introduced to Trump by Harry Tanoesoedibjo, the MNC media mongul who also happens to be building a resort in Bali with Trump.
Okezone said the group was there to discuss “strategic alliances between Indonesia and America going forward.”
Business Insider noted that, “Zon and some members of his delegation were carrying one of the ornate gift bags from the Trump Tower shop.”
Fadli also gave a few choice quotes to BI regarding Trump’s supposed popularity in Indonesia.
“I think he is also very famous with his show and, of course, Indonesian people, when they talk about a millionaire or billionaire, what will pop up in their minds first is Donald Trump.”
(We’d argue that most Indonesians don’t know who Donald Trump is, given that “The Apprentice” was never shown on local channels like RCTI. But whatever.)
Zon was also asked whether Trump’s repeated and ridiculous criticisms of US President Barack Obama (Trump has repeatedly supported the fringe “birther” conspiracy theory/movement that believes Obama was not born in the US) affected Indonesian opinions of him, given Obama’s local boy cred. Zon shrugged off the question, saying they were both friends of Indonesia.
So in the end, we’re guessing the appearance Setyo & Co. means little beyond them wanting to shake hands with The Donald, visit Trump Tower and get some ritzy gift bags.
But if Trump should, through some dark miracle, win the US election and form an unholy alliance with Golkar, God help us all.
