Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono jokes on impact of Prabowo's health

Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) made lighthearted remarks regarding the potential economic impact of President Prabowo Subianto’s health during a scientific oration at Universitas Padjadjaran’s 68th FISIP anniversary.

While addressing the audience, SBY noted that his own minor cough—which he clarified was not influenza A—occasionally disrupts his painting. He then joked that if President Prabowo were the one coughing, the consequences could be more significant for the nation. He quipped, “If it is Pak Prabowo who coughs, we must be careful. If the cough is heavy, the rupiah exchange rate and stocks could fall,” suggesting that the health of the head of state can influence market sentiment.