President Prabowo Subianto expressed profound admiration for the residents of Miangas Island, who displayed an impressive familiarity with the names of his cabinet ministers. This remarkable knowledge prompted President Prabowo to commend the community of Indonesia’s northernmost outermost island, strategically located in close proximity to the Philippines.
The notable interaction occurred during the Gerindra Party Chairman’s visit to Miangas, part of the Talaud Islands in North Sulawesi, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. During his engagement with the local populace, President Prabowo began by introducing Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. He highlighted Trenggono’s critical role, stating, “He is responsible for marine and fisheries issues.”
Subsequently, President Prabowo announced a significant government initiative: the provision of one boat unit as aid for Miangas. Furthermore, he revealed plans for the construction of a “Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih” (Red and White Fishing Village) on the island. This new development is slated to include various comprehensive facilities designed to support local fishermen and enhance their livelihoods.
The introductions continued as Prabowo presented other key members of his cabinet. Among them were Meutya Hafid, the Minister of Communication and Digital; Budi Gunadi Sadikin, the Minister of Health; and Sugiono, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
A particularly engaging moment unfolded when President Prabowo directly challenged the residents regarding their knowledge of his cabinet. Introducing Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the Minister of Defense, Prabowo paused, asking, “The Minister of Defense—now, this is important—do you know the Minister of Defense? TNI General who? Sjafrie?” Without hesitation, the residents collectively affirmed, “Sjamsoeddin.” Prabowo, clearly impressed, responded, “Oh, it’s because they are from Sulawesi that they remember.”</p
His surprise grew as he proceeded to ask if they recognized Dody Hanggodo, the Minister of Public Works. “Who is this one?” Prabowo inquired. In unison, the islanders responded, “Mr. Dody.” A visibly amazed President Prabowo remarked, “How do you all know them, despite being an outermost island? Wow, this is truly remarkable.”
Reflecting on this unexpected display of awareness, Prabowo lauded the vital role of the Ministry of Communication and Digital. He acknowledged its success in ensuring that communities in remote and outermost regions, like Miangas, remain well-informed and connected. “Komdigi, you are great,” he enthusiastically declared.
President Prabowo’s visit to Miangas followed his attendance at the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu, Philippines. Miangas, known for being the closest Indonesian island to the border with the Philippines, is situated within the Talaud Islands Regency in North Sulawesi.
His arrival at Miangas Airport on Saturday, May 9, 2026, around 10:45 AM WITA, marked a direct flight from the Philippines. He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. Sugiono later elaborated, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat, that Prabowo was “returning to the homeland today, but before going to Jakarta, he first stopped for several agendas there (Miangas).”
Upon his descent, President Prabowo was warmly greeted by a delegation of ministers from the “Merah Putih Cabinet.” This welcoming party included Bahlil Lahadalia, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources; Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the Minister of Defense; and Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
Further underscoring the significance of the visit, other high-ranking officials also joined the welcoming contingent. Among them were Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital; Dody Hanggodo, Minister of Public Works; Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health; and General Tandyo Budi Revita, the Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto visited Miangas Island on May 9, 2026, where he expressed admiration for the local residents’ impressive knowledge of his cabinet ministers. During the visit, the islanders accurately identified various government officials, including the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Public Works, when prompted by the President. Prabowo commended the community and acknowledged the Ministry of Communication and Digital for effectively keeping remote regions well-informed.
In addition to the engagement, the President announced government support for the community, including a boat donation and the construction of a “Red and White Fishing Village” with comprehensive facilities. The visit followed the President’s attendance at the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, reflecting his commitment to Indonesia’s outermost regions. High-ranking officials, including several cabinet members, accompanied the President to support this development initiative for the local fishermen.