Prabowo Prefers 'Bang Bowo' or 'Mas Bowo' Over 'Eyang' or 'Mbah'

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia has made a special request to cadres of the National Mandate Party (PAN): to avoid addressing him as 'Eyang Bowo' or 'Mbah Bowo.' During a speech at the 28th anniversary of PAN held at JICC Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, September 18, 2026, Prabowo stated that he feels more comfortable being treated as a brother. "I stand here, formally as the president, and as your brother. It is better to be treated as your brother, not your eyang," he said. The atmosphere in the venue became more relaxed following the statement. The president offered several alternative appellations he found acceptable. "I like it when you call me Bang Bowo. If you call me Mbah Bowo or Eyang Bowo, I will have to think about it," he remarked, drawing laughter from the audience. He even joked that he might not attend PAN events if addressed in such ways. He proposed 'Bang Bowo' or 'Kang Bowo' as acceptable, but suggested 'Mas Bowo' as his preferred term. This lighthearted exchange about age emerged when Prabowo compared the ages of PAN, which is 28 years old, and his own Gerindra Party, which he noted is only 17 years old.