Kuala Lumpur – Indonesian Ambassador Hermono refuted claims that President Prabowo Subianto shortened his trip to Malaysia for the 47th Asean Summit following a misidentification by Malaysian state broadcaster RTM. Hermono stated Prabowo’s return to Jakarta on Sunday was due to a “tight domestic agenda,” as confirmed by Indonesia’s foreign ministry spokesman Yvonne Mewengkang.
The clarification comes after an RTM commentator mistakenly referred to Prabowo as his predecessor, Joko Widodo, during live coverage of the summit in Kuala Lumpur. RTM also incorrectly identified the prime ministers of Singapore and Thailand, prompting an apology from the communications ministry’s broadcasting department, which pledged to strengthen editorial controls and fact-checking.
Initially slated to attend the entirety of the summit, Prabowo participated in the 26th Asean-South Korea Summit, the 28th Asean Plus Three Summit, and a reception for Timor-Leste’s entry into the regional grouping before his departure. He is now represented by Cabinet ministers including Foreign Minister Sugiono and coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
During the summit, Prabowo attended the Asean-US Summit where US President Donald Trump reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. He also advocated for constructive regional competition and increased cooperation at the 28th Asean Plus Three Summit, and urged the bloc to take concrete action regarding the crisis in Myanmar during the Asean leaders’ retreat.
