Jakarta – The Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, firmly denied rumors of a rift between President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Hasan assured that the relationship between the two leaders remains harmonious.

“Not at all, Mr. Prabowo as the president-elect and Mr. Jokowi as the current president have a very good, very warm relationship,” Hasan told the media at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Hasan explained that the rumors circulating are merely part of the dynamics of democracy. He reiterated that there is no tension between Jokowi and Prabowo.

“And if there are issues being talked about outside, for us, that’s just part of the spice of democracy. Sometimes, if there’s no hot issue, our politics might feel a bit dull, something like that. But there’s absolutely no issue between Mr. Jokowi and Mr. Prabowo, none at all,” he added.

Furthermore, Hasan emphasized that communication between Jokowi and Prabowo continues smoothly. Even if they do not always meet in person, their interactions are well maintained.

“Because there is no rift, their communication is good. Even if not through physical meetings, their communication is very good. There’s no issue, no problem at all,” he reiterated.

On the other hand, Prabowo Subianto has also addressed the rumors of a rift. On a recent occasion, Prabowo dismissed the speculation.

“It seems that Prabowo and Jokowi have been taken, taken back somehow,” Prabowo remarked during the closing of the 6th PAN Congress on Saturday, August 24.

Prabowo believes that the rumors are merely an attempt to create a divide between him and Jokowi. Although slightly annoyed by the speculation, Prabowo stated that it’s not a significant concern.

“They always want to pit us against each other, always trying to stir things up,” he said.

“Though it’s a bit irritating, we just let it be, it’s not a big deal,” Prabowo concluded. (A)