Jakarta, ThedailyID — Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) joked that President Prabowo Subianto’s cough could affect the rupiah and stock prices. He made the remark during a scientific oration at the 68th anniversary of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Padjadjaran University (Unpad) on Tuesday, October 13.
SBY began his speech by apologizing for his cough. He also reassured the audience that he did not have influenza A and that his condition was safe.
“I have a bit of a cough, but it is not influenza A, so it is safe. Please excuse me if I cough occasionally during this speech,” SBY said, as quoted by detik.com.
He explained that his coughing sometimes disturbed people around him. It could even disrupt his painting, he added, joking that a sudden cough might ruin his work.
However, SBY then turned the joke toward Prabowo and Indonesia’s financial markets.
“If Mr. Prabowo coughs, be careful. If he coughs loudly, the rupiah exchange rate and stocks could fall,” SBY quipped.
Despite the joke, SBY expressed his hope that Prabowo would remain healthy and lead the country effectively.
“We pray that our president stays healthy so he can lead the country well,” he added.
SBY currently serves as chairman of the Democratic Party’s High Council. The party is part of the broad coalition supporting the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
Meanwhile, several Democratic Party politicians hold positions in the current Cabinet. They include SBY’s eldest son, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), who serves as Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development.
SBY delivered the remarks during an academic event rather than a political speech. His comments about the rupiah and stocks were presented as a joke, not as a forecast of market movements.
