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Indonesia’s Prabowo wants a ‘president’s club’. But can Joko Widodo, Megawati, Yudhoyono see eye to eye?

  • Members of the group would include the country’s three living former presidents – Joko Widodo, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Megawati Soekarnoputri
  • But there are limits to the former leaders working together, such as the grievances they hold for one another, analysts say

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A vendor holds a portrait of Indonesian president elect Prabowo Subianto at a market in Jakarta. Prabowo, 74, is set to take over the presidency from Joko Widodo on October 20. Photo: AP
Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto’s plan to form an advisory council consisting of the country’s past leaders may face obstacles given the strong personalities and unresolved disputes between them, analysts said, mirroring some of the challenges he faces in forming a broad coalition government.
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Prabowo’s spokesperson Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak first floated the idea of a “president’s club” earlier this month.

“In essence, Prabowo wants former presidents to continue to meet regularly and discuss strategic national issues. So that national friendship is maintained, and they become role models for all of us,” Dahnil told reporters on May 3.

Members of the group would include the country’s three living former presidents – Joko Widodo, his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto (left) and vice-president elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka walk past a picture of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, also father of Gibran. Photo: AFP
Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto (left) and vice-president elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka walk past a picture of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, also father of Gibran. Photo: AFP

Widodo appeared to be on board when asked about the so-called “president’s club”, telling reporters that a “meeting every few days would be just fine”. Yudhoyono’s Democratic Party also publicly welcomed the proposal.

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