Malaysia has formally apologized to Indonesia following an embarrassing on-air mistake in which the country’s state broadcaster Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) referred to President Prabowo Subianto as Joko Widodo during its live coverage of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

The error, which occurred during the broadcast of the leaders’ arrivals at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), was immediately noticed by journalists covering the summit from the media center. The incident quickly circulated on social media and drew attention from both Malaysian and Indonesian audiences.

In an official statement released on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Malaysian Broadcasting Department extended “its sincere apologies” for the error.

“The Department of Broadcasting Malaysia sincerely apologizes for the mistake that occurred during RTM’s live broadcast in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre,” the statement said.

RTM confirmed that an internal investigation found the commentator had mistakenly identified President Prabowo Subianto as Joko Widodo, Indonesia’s previous president.

“RTM views this matter seriously and has taken appropriate action. We extend our apology to the President and Government of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as all parties affected by this error,” it added.

The broadcaster also pledged to tighten its editorial oversight and fact-checking procedures to ensure greater accuracy and integrity in future broadcasts.

Warm welcome for President Prabowo

President Prabowo Subianto attended the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, October 26, marking his first appearance at the regional forum since taking office. He was greeted warmly by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who approached him with a broad smile before the two leaders exchanged a friendly hug and handshake.

Prabowo, dressed in a gray suit and black peci (traditional cap), was seen engaging in a lighthearted conversation with Anwar before they posed together for photographers. The cordial interaction between the two leaders was broadcast live on Bernama TV and widely shared across social media platforms.

Following the welcome ceremony, Prabowo joined fellow ASEAN leaders, including Timor Leste President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, for the opening session. Timor Leste was formally inducted as ASEAN’s 11th member state during the summit.

ASEAN Summit highlights

The 47th ASEAN Summit brings together leaders from all 11member states along with international partners, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, European Council President António Costa, U.S. President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Over the course of 25 key meetings, discussions are expected to focus on strengthening regional economic cooperation, accelerating the clean energy transition, and expanding the digital economy.

One of the major topics on the agenda is the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes within the framework of ASEAN’s integrated power grid plan. The summit also marks a historic milestone with Timor Leste’s official admission as a full ASEAN member, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to regional inclusivity.

Beyond internal ASEAN matters, leaders are also expected to deliberate on global issues, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and seek a united ASEAN stance in support of peace and stability in the region.