Summary
Highlights
President Prabowo is always accompanied by a loyal and attractive group known as the "Hambalang Boys." These individuals are not randomly chosen but have been trained for years within the Gerindra Party and directly mentored by Prabowo himself. Their relationship goes beyond formal politics, being deeply emotional, ideological, and personal. Their presence gained public attention when some members received strategic positions after Prabowo assumed power.
Prabowo's military background and turbulent political career have led him to rely heavily on loyal individuals within his inner circle. He prefers trusted figures over new ones who might pose a threat. The Hambalang Boys have proven their loyalty, which has been cultivated through years of mentorship from Prabowo. Many of them are young, from cadre or military backgrounds, and have been with Prabowo since the early days of establishing Gerindra, often viewed as his ideological children.
Before the term "Hambalang Boys" emerged, Prabowo called his best young cadres "Jedi Knights," inspired by Star Wars. In 2013, he named three individuals: Sudaryono, Sugiono, and Dirgayuja Setiawan. Sudaryono, who joined Gerindra after graduating from the Japan National Defense Academy, served as Prabowo's personal assistant for years and now holds significant government positions, including Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Sugiono, a former Kopassus soldier, retired early to become Prabowo's private secretary and was instrumental in founding Gerindra. Despite controversy surrounding a corruption case, he now serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Secretary-General of Gerindra. Dirgayuja Setiawan, known Prabowo since childhood, is currently the special assistant to the President for communication.
The roles of the original Jedi Knights are now being filled by a new generation of Hambalang Boys. Lt. Col. Teddy Indrawijaya, a Kopassus officer, has been with Prabowo since his time as Minister of Defense and now serves as Cabinet Secretary. Prasetyo Hadi, a senior Gerindra cadre since 2008, holds the strategic position of Minister of State Secretariat. Anggaraka Prabowo, active in Gerindra since 2008, served as Prabowo's private secretary and now holds three important positions, including Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital.
In 2024, Prabowo introduced three new personal secretaries: Agung Surahman, Rizki Irmansyah, and Rajif Sutirto. He humorously noted their single status, inviting eligible bachelors to apply for marriage. Agung Surahman and Rajif Sutirto, both Gerindra cadre school graduates, actively led volunteer communities supporting Prabowo. Rizki Irmansyah, a musician turned aide, gained public attention for his attractive appearance and has been with Prabowo since his tenure as Minister of Defense.
The Hambalang Boys often face criticism for allegedly relying on loyalty over experience, with examples like Sugiono, a military background, being appointed as Foreign Minister, a role traditionally for diplomats. However, the Gerindra Party defends their appointments, arguing that their long-term training and high loyalty ensure a fast and solid government. This loyalty is seen as a guarantee for efficient governance.