Prabowo Calls Political Rivals 'Kancil Leaders,' Joking About Their Gathering

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto humorously referred to three prominent political figures as 'kancil leaders' – cunning foxes – during the 28th anniversary celebration of the National Awakening Party (PKB) in Jakarta on Thursday (July 23). Prabowo, who was a guest at the event, expressed his gratitude and amusement at PKB cadres wearing t-shirts emblazoned with 'Prabowonomics.' He joked that even his own Gerindra party didn't adopt such slogans. He then pointed to PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) and Deputy Speaker of the House Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, calling them two 'kancil leaders' in Indonesia. Prabowo added that if these two were to gather, it would be 'troublesome.' He also humorously remarked on Dasco's transition from a 'provocateur' to a professor. The President then identified a third 'kancil leader' as Golkar Chairman and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia. 'The third kancil leader is probably the Chairman of Golkar. If these three people gather, we will be in trouble,' Prabowo stated, eliciting laughter from the attendees. The term 'kancil' refers to a clever and resourceful character in Indonesian folklore, often outsmarting larger and stronger adversaries. Prabowo's use of this term suggests he views these politicians as strategic and influential figures within the Indonesian political landscape. His remarks were made in the presence of various political party representatives, hinting at the complex interplays and potential alliances or rivalries shaping the nation's political future.