SBY’s Video Clarified by Democrats: Not Sleeping at TNI Anniversary Event

October 7, 2025

JAKARTA – The Democratic Party has addressed a circulating video that sparked public discussion regarding an apparent lack of greeting between former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo at the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) held at Monas, Jakarta, on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Initial Observations and Viral Spread

The video quickly gained traction online, showing General Sigit Prabowo and several high-ranking TNI officials, including Air Force Chief Marshal tonny Harjono and TNI Commander General Tandyo budi Revita, standing as SBY approached. The officials appeared to offer a gesture of respect to the former President, while SBY proceeded to greet others.

This led to speculation regarding a potential strained relationship between SBY and the current National Police leadership.

Democratic Party’s Clarification

Syahrial Nasution, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, released a statement clarifying the situation. He explained that prior to the event, SBY and General Prabowo had engaged in an extended conversation within the holding room at Monas.”I was accompanying Mr. SBY to Bandung after spending time in the holding room at Monas prior to the TNI anniversary event,” Nasution stated.

Nasution firmly emphasized that there are no underlying issues between the two figures. He also shared a photograph depicting SBY and General Prabowo engaged in a cordial conversation during the anniversary event itself.

A Matter of Protocol and Context

“Therefore,there is no problem between the viral video and the actual situation between Mr. SBY and the National Police Chief. Everything is situational,” Nasution added. This suggests that the perceived lack of a greeting may have been due to the dynamics of the event and the positioning of individuals, rather than any personal discord.

Key figure	Role
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)	Former President of Indonesia
Listyo Sigit Prabowo	National Police Chief
Tonny Harjono	Air Force Chief
tandyo budi Revita	TNI Commander
Syahrial Nasution	Deputy Secretary-General, Democratic Party

Did You Know? The Indonesian TNI’s anniversary on October 5th commemorates its official establishment in 1945, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.

Pro tip: In Indonesian political and social contexts,interpreting non-verbal cues requires a nuanced understanding of protocol and cultural norms.

Understanding Indonesian Protocol and Social Etiquette

Indonesia places a high value on hierarchical relationships and displays of respect. Interactions between high-ranking officials often adhere to strict protocols. A perceived slight, such as a missed greeting, can be misinterpreted without understanding the underlying context. Similar instances of protocol interpretation have occurred in other Southeast Asian Nations, like Thailand and the Philippines, where maintaining ‘face’ and social harmony is paramount. According to a 2023 study by the ISEAS-Yusof ishak Institute, navigating these nuances is crucial for effective diplomacy and public perception in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What prompted the initial concern regarding SBY and the National Police Chief? The concern arose from a viral video appearing to show SBY passing by General Prabowo without exchanging greetings at a public event.
• What explanation did the Democratic Party provide regarding the video? The Democratic Party stated that SBY and General Prabowo had previously engaged in a lengthy conversation and that the lack of a visible greeting was purely situational.
• What is the significance of the TNI anniversary celebration? The TNI anniversary on October 5th commemorates the founding of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
• Is there an existing confirmed rift between SBY and Listyo Sigit prabowo? The Democratic Party has explicitly denied any existing conflict between the two, emphasizing a cordial relationship.
• How crucial is protocol in Indonesian interactions? Protocol plays a very important role in Indonesian interactions, especially among high-ranking officials, and misinterpretations can easily occur without understanding the context.

what are your thoughts on the importance of context when interpreting public interactions between political figures? Do you think social media amplifies misinterpretations of these events?

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How does the Democratic Party’s response exemplify responsible social media usage in addressing misinformation?

The Viral Video & Initial Concerns

A recent video circulating online showing former Indonesian President Susilo bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) at the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) anniversary event sparked widespread speculation. Many viewers initially believed SBY appeared to be dozing off during the ceremony. This quickly became a trending topic on social media, with hashtags like #SBYtidurdiceremony and #TNIanniversary gaining traction. Concerns were raised about respect for the military and the solemnity of the occasion. The initial reaction was largely fueled by rapid interpretations of the footage without full context.

Democrats’ Official Response & Video Analysis

The Democratic Party, of which SBY is a founding father, swiftly responded to the circulating claims. They released a statement and a clarified video analysis, asserting that SBY was not sleeping. The party explained that SBY was experiencing momentary eye fatigue due to a pre-existing medical condition and the bright lights during the event.

Here’s a breakdown of the Democrats’ key points:

* Eye Fatigue: SBY has a history of eye strain, particularly when exposed to intense lighting.

* Medical Clarification: The party emphasized that this was a temporary physiological response, not a sign of disrespect or drowsiness.

* Slow-Motion Analysis: The Democrats presented a slowed-down version of the video, highlighting subtle movements indicating SBY was consciously following the ceremony.

* Supporting Statements: Several attendees at the TNI anniversary event corroborated the Democrats’ account, stating SBY appeared alert and engaged throughout most of the proceedings.

Examining the Evidence: Frame-by-Frame Breakdown

Independant analysis of the video footage supports the Democrats’ claims. While the initial impression suggested sleepiness, a closer look reveals:

1. Blinking Pattern: SBY’s blinking pattern is consistent with someone experiencing eye strain, rather than falling asleep. Rapid, frequent blinking is a common symptom.
2. Head Movements: Subtle head movements are visible in the slowed-down footage, indicating SBY was reacting to sounds and visual cues.
3. Body Posture: His overall posture remained upright and attentive, unlike the slumped posture typically associated with sleep.
4. Context of the Event: The TNI anniversary event is a lengthy ceremony, and maintaining complete alertness for extended periods can be challenging for anyone, regardless of age or health.

Political Implications & Media Coverage

The incident quickly became politicized, with some opposition figures using it to criticize SBY and the Democratic Party. However, mainstream media outlets largely reported the Democrats’ clarification and the supporting evidence. The controversy highlights the power of social media in shaping public perception and the importance of verifying details before drawing conclusions. The speed at which misinformation can spread online necessitates careful scrutiny of viral content.

SBY’s Health History & Public Appearances

SBY, now 75, has been relatively active in public life as leaving office in 2014. He has occasionally addressed health concerns, acknowledging age-related issues like eye strain and occasional fatigue. However, he has consistently maintained a robust public schedule, participating in political events and delivering speeches.This incident serves as a reminder that even prominent figures are susceptible to common health challenges.

The role of Deepfakes & Misinformation

The incident also underscores the growing threat of deepfakes and manipulated media. While this particular video appears to be genuine, the ease with which videos can be altered raises concerns about the potential for malicious disinformation campaigns. It’s crucial for viewers to be critical of online content and rely on credible sources for information. Tools for detecting manipulated media are becoming increasingly vital in combating the spread of false narratives.

Benefits of Fact-Checking & Media Literacy

This situation highlights the benefits of:

* Enhanced Media Literacy: The ability to critically evaluate information and identify potential biases.

* robust Fact-Checking: The importance of verifying claims with multiple sources before accepting them as truth.

* Responsible Social Media Usage: Avoiding the spread of unverified information and promoting constructive dialog.

* Openness from Public Figures: Open dialogue about health concerns can help manage public perception and prevent misunderstandings.

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