Unaware of a live microphone, Indonesia’s president requests meeting with Trump’s son amid global talks in Egypt
A seemingly casual exchange between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and U.S. President Donald Trump during a Gaza peace summit in Egypt has gone viral after a live microphone picked up Prabowo asking to meet Trump’s son, Eric. The incident has raised eyebrows due to Trump’s ongoing business links in Indonesia and concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
A “Hot Mic” Moment in Egypt
The conversation occurred on Monday, October 13, 2025, after Trump delivered remarks at the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. As cameras continued rolling, Prabowo approached Trump behind the podium and was recorded saying, “Can I meet Eric?”
Trump, apparently unaware of the open microphone, replied warmly: “I’ll have Eric call. Should I do that? He’s such a good boy.” Prabowo then added, “Eric or Don Jr,” referring to Trump’s sons who both serve as executive vice presidents of the Trump Organisation.
References to “Hary” Spark Questions
During the same exchange, Prabowo mentioned the name “Hary,” saying, “We’ll look for a better place.” The name is believed to refer to Indonesian tycoon Hary Tanoesoedibjo, founder of the MNC Group and a long-time business partner of the Trump Organisation. Hary attended Trump’s inauguration earlier this year and remains a key figure in the Trump Organisation’s Indonesian ventures.
Trump’s Business Footprint in Indonesia
The Trump Organisation, through its partnership with MNC Land, operates a luxury resort about 60 kilometers south of Jakarta and is developing another property and golf course in Bali. The projects, which feature Trump branding, have faced regulatory delays, including an environmental order in February halting part of the Jakarta-area development over water management concerns.
Political Optics and Potential Conflicts
The timing of the hot mic moment has reignited scrutiny over Trump’s international business activities since his return to the White House. While Trump has handed operational control of his companies to Eric and Donald Jr., ethics experts continue to question whether the arrangement sufficiently prevents conflicts of interest between his political office and private business ventures.
Unclear Intent Behind Prabowo’s Request
It remains uncertain whether Prabowo’s request for a meeting with Eric Trump was personal, diplomatic, or related to business interests. Neither the White House, the Trump Organisation, Indonesia’s foreign ministry, nor MNC Group responded to media inquiries. The audio offers no direct reference to the Trump Organisation, but analysts note the timing could invite speculation given the intertwined political and business contexts.
Broader Implications for Indonesia–US Relations
The exchange comes as Indonesia seeks to deepen trade and investment ties with the U.S. and attract foreign capital for infrastructure and tourism projects. However, moments like this — captured unintentionally — may complicate public perceptions, particularly when political diplomacy intersects with private enterprise.
The Prabowo–Trump hot mic moment highlights the delicate balance between political engagement and business interests in modern diplomacy. As Indonesia and the U.S. navigate closer economic cooperation, transparency and accountability remain essential to ensuring such encounters do not blur the lines between governance and gain.
Sources: The Guardian (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Prabowo Hot Mic, Trump Organisation, Eric Trump, Gaza Peace Summit, Indonesia US Relations
