REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) came to Padepokan Pencak Silat in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta on Wednesday (August 29) to encourage the athletes who competed in pencak silat (martial art) final. On the occasion, he was seen very intimate with Gerindra Party chief patron Prabowo Subianto, who is Indonesia Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) chairman and also his rival in 2019 presidential election.

“I am here to encourage and congratulate my good friend, Mr Prabowo,” said Jokowi on Wednesday (August 29).

Jokowi said he really appreciated that pencak silat has donated 14 gold medals and one bronze from 16 pencak silat events competed in 2018 Asian Games. Currently, Indonesia has bagged 30 gold medals in the biggest sports and arts event in Asia. 

Jokowi explained about his ‘bromance’ session with Prabowo, which showed when they were embraced by an Indonesian martial art fighter Hanifan Yudani Kusuma. He admitted it was only spontaneity.

President Joko Widodo and Chairman of Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) Prabowo Subianto were embraced by gold medalist Hanifan Yudani Kusumah after the Indonesian fighter presented a 13th gold medal in the martial arts event in Asian Games 2018 at Padepokan Pencak Silat TMII, Jakarta, Wednesday (August 29).

“I don’t know, suddenly I was hugged and it smells. It smells good because Indonesia wins,” Jokowi joked.

Meanwhile, Prabowo felt proud with the presence of Jokowi, Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK), and Indonesian 5th president Megawati Soekarnoputri  He stated that they came to offer the best for the nation and unite for Indonesia without thinking of differences.

"Imagine, everyone is here at a critical time," Prabowo said.

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