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.
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