On October 20, Indonesia’s newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto made headlines not just for his leadership but also for his beloved cat, Bobby, who has officially moved into the presidential residence, the Merdeka Palace. Bobby has become a sensation on social media, drawing significant attention during the election period and establishing a stark contrast to Prabowo’s previously serious military persona.
With his newfound celebrity status, Bobby has attracted numerous Indonesian celebrities eager to capture moments with the feline. Notable figures, such as Mulan Jameela from the Great Indonesia Movement Party and business tycoon Anindya Bakrie, have shared photos with Bobby on their social media accounts.
Having a military background, Prabowo took office on the 20th and promptly brought Bobby along to the presidential palace. Bobby, a stray cat adopted by Prabowo in 2017 from South Jakarta, has gained a massive following on Instagram, boasting 650,000 fans and frequently making headlines in the Indonesian media.
Just a day after Prabowo’s inauguration, Bobby’s Instagram account featured a heartwarming video of Prabowo gently stroking him while asking, “Want to see your new room?” The video quickly went viral, accumulating over 7.15 million views and more than 330,000 likes. Bobby’s adorable presence in a stroller has also sparked playful conversations online.
Bobby isn’t the only pet in Prabowo’s life; he has three other cats named Mika, Miki, and Miko. Bobby’s rise to fame was largely attributed to a memorable moment in 2019 when Prabowo fed him during a Great Indonesia Movement Party meeting, which sparked widespread online discussion.
During the presidential election earlier this year, Bobby once again took center stage in the media. Prabowo consistently shared photos featuring Bobby, reinforcing the image of a president who brings a softer, more approachable side to his role through his beloved feline companion.
