TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto said his advisers have repeatedly warned him against delivering speeches without prepared notes, saying they believe reading from a script is the safest way to avoid making mistakes.
Prabowo made the remarks while attending the main celebration of the 28th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa or PKB) at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Thursday evening, July 23, 2026.
During the event, Prabowo expressed his appreciation after seeing PKB members wearing T-shirts featuring the phrase “Prabowonomics.” He thanked the party members and said he was honored by the gesture.
The president then joked about the speech he had prepared for the occasion. Holding his prepared remarks, Prabowo asked the audience whether they wanted him to read the full text.
“Do you want me to read it? Even I could fall asleep at this podium,” Prabowo said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Prabowo on Unscripted Speeches
Prabowo, who is also chairperson of the Gerindra Party, said many of his advisors had urged him to stick to prepared scripts, especially because his public statements are closely followed by the media.
“Many of my advisors said, ‘Sir, you shouldn’t speak without a script. It’s safest to just read it, Sir. There can’t possibly be any wrong words in there,’” Prabowo said, imitating their advice.
However, he acknowledged that he often speaks spontaneously instead of following written remarks.
According to Prabowo, every statement he makes tends to receive public attention. He joked that he was trying to be more restrained during the PKB anniversary event.
“No, today I am polite, today I am polite. So, what else should I convey?” he said.
He later thanked PKB members and said he was concerned that staying too long on stage could make him emotional.
“Thank you. I’m worried about staying here too long. I might not be able to hold it and may shed tears,” he said.
Prabowo Attends PKB Anniversary With Gibran
Prabowo attended the PKB anniversary celebration alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. According to Tempo’s observation at the venue, the pair arrived at the JCC Plenary Hall at around 7:40 p.m. local time.
Prabowo wore a white safari-style outfit, while Gibran appeared in a brown batik shirt.
Upon arrival, Prabowo, accompanied by PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, greeted invited guests, including PKB executive board members, Islamic scholars, and representatives from political parties supporting the government coalition.
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo Holds Limited Palace Meeting Today: What's on the Agenda?
11 jam lalu
Head of Bappisus Aris Marsudiyanto stated that, in principle, Prabowo always evaluates his government's strategic programs.
Prabowo Names Deputy Defense Minister to Lead Republic of Indonesia University
17 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo inaugurates Donny Ermawan Taufanto as the first governor of the newly established university.
Who Is Sudaryono, Prabowo's Pick to Lead Indonesia's BGN?
1 hari lalu
Prabowo appoints former Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono to lead Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency, replacing Nanik Sudaryati Deyang.
Prabowo Swears in Sudaryono as New BGN Chief
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto has inaugurated Sudaryono as Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
Palace Reveals Why Prabowo Picked Sudaryono as BGN Chief
1 hari lalu
Sudaryono will take over from Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, ending her brief 45-day stint as head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force after the Searches
1 hari lalu
The Forest Area Enforcement Task Force came under scrutiny after the Febrie Adriansyah case surfaced. Environmental groups questioned its transparency
Prabowo Taps Sudaryono to Lead National Nutrition Agency
1 hari lalu
Minister of the State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi said Sudaryono will not hold dual roles once he assumes leadership of BGN.
BGN Introduces Five Officials Appointed by President
2 hari lalu
The five new National Nutrition Agency (BGN) officials are from various institutions.
Will Indonesia Cut TNI and Police Budgets? Palace Responds
2 hari lalu
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said Indonesia's fiscal condition remains stable, but budget adjustments could be made if needed.
How Indonesia's Electric Motorcycle Project Could Shape the Economy
2 hari lalu
Analyst Ajib sees the national electric motorcycle project as a potential for reindustrialization to strengthen the domestic economic ecosystem.
