Jakarta, The former defense minister of Indonesia dismissed allegations of meddling in his administration by predecessors Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in a controversial press conference. In a bold statement, President Prabowo Subianto declared, “ Don’t think about it (cawe-cwe ). I’m the one who asked for advice from Pak SBY,” while delivering a speech at the closing of the 6th Congress of the Democratic Party at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Jakarta, on February 25, 2025. Prabowo’s firm stance was to refute allegations that SBY and Jokowi’s interventions aimed at influencing his policies and decisions.

Political dynamics in Indonesia, much like in the United States, often involve high-stakes interactions between current and former leaders, who frequently navigate a delicate balance between consultation and interference. One example is President Bill Clinton saying “Don’t think about it as ‘backseat driving.’ Accountability in government sometimes requires us to seek advice from experienced figures, It just worked out.” President Clinton’s comment parallels the sentiments President Subianto echoed during his address.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reigned for ten years each.

President Prabowo’s stance is grounded in the belief that seeking advice from experienced leaders is a necessary subliminal strategy, He said neither of the two leaders asked for their inputs, while maintaining both former presidents were equitably utilized resources in terms of leading a nation. “Only a fool doesn’t learn from these two figures,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of leveraging the expertise of seasoned political figures.

Despite the president’s counter-statements News reports reflected Jokowi engaged in cawe-cwe practices including undisclosed influence in government decisions, especially to ensure his son Gibran Rakabuming Raka was chosen through the Constitutional Court decision.

Deeper Dive into Jokowi’s Interventions

Regarding reports some instances involving strong Jokowi involvements. Prabowo highlighted the intervention of Jokowi late in his term, proposing four of his trusted individuals as ministers in Prabowo’s cabinet. Despite the contradiction disillusioned his approach in terms of budget construction agreements in connection with the Jakarta relocating attempt to East Kalimantan, ending the anticipated relocation issues and impediments.

Comparatively, such inter-party efforts may discuss then-President John F. Kennedy’s interaction with his political rivals and predecessors, such as Eisenhower and Truman, to foster a sense of continuity and shared governance in sensitive areas, particularly foreign policy.

Investment and Infrastructure

At the end of his term, Jokowi whom attempted to steer the construction budget substantial involvement for the construction of the Nusantara Capital City or (IKN).

Submitting the motives to steer the public opinion in order to improve internal intervention to remove a colleague’s name from the People’s Consultative Assembly Decree-Jokowi resolved to end the offences including corruption and nepotism involvement.

However, Prabowo’s recent proposal in 2014 highlighted those motivated to end the serious offences reminding a colleague from his past ties mentoring him down the facet of recognizing him as a motivating leader.