Timeline of Malaysia’s RTM mispronouncing Prabowo’s name at the 47th ASEAN Summit

Jakarta (ANTARA) – An interesting and attention-grabbing incident occurred during the live broadcast of the 47th ASEAN Summit (Summit) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday (26/10).

Malaysia’s national government media, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), has publicly apologized after its commentators mispronounced the name of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. In the broadcast, the figure of President Prabowo Subianto was referred to as President Joko Widodo when he arrived at the event site.

This mistake suddenly came into the public spotlight, especially since the moment was broadcast live and witnessed by various international media. RTM immediately provided an official clarification and expressed regret for the error that occurred, while underlining its commitment to maintaining professionalism in every broadcast.

The following is a full explanation of RTM’s timeline and apology to Indonesia, compiled from various sources.

Read also: RTM Malaysia apologizes for mispronouncing the name of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the ASEAN summit

Chronology of events

The incident of mispronunciation of the name of the President of the Republic of Indonesia by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) occurred during the official welcoming session of heads of state at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), Sunday (26/10).

During this moment, the leaders of each country were called in turn by the presenter and welcomed directly by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim.

When, around 9.00 local time, it was Indonesia’s turn, the RTM commentator on duty even got the name wrong during the live broadcast. In the broadcast, the words: “Dear Indonesian President Joko Widodo” can be clearly heard.

Indeed, Joko Widodo’s term ended in October 2024, while Prabowo Subianto is officially Indonesia’s eighth president as of October 20, 2024 and will complete one year in office in October 2025.

Even though there were some mistakes, President Prabowo still showed a calm attitude. He exited the vehicle, shook hands with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and had a brief chat before continuing towards the main meeting room.

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RTM presents an official apology to Indonesia

After footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, RTM immediately responded by releasing an official statement on Sunday (26/10) via its official social media account.

“The Malaysian Broadcasting Department expresses its sincere apologies for the error that occurred during RTM’s live broadcast in the framework of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC),” RTM wrote in its official statement.

In this statement RTM also admitted that there was an error in the pronunciation of the names in the live broadcast.

“According to internal investigations, there was a mistake by a television commentator who called Indonesian President Joko Widodo, even though the current president of Indonesia is Prabowo Subianto,” the statement continues.

RTM also underlined that it has taken firm measures against erring commentators and is committed to strengthening the internal monitoring system so that similar incidents do not happen again.

“RTM takes this matter seriously and has taken appropriate measures. RTM apologizes to the President and Government of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as to all parties affected by this error,” the RTM statement underlined.

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