ASEAN: RTM Apologises For Error In Indonesian President’s Name

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Department of Broadcasting Malaysia has apologised for a commentator’s mistake in misidentifying the Indonesian President during the live telecast of the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits this morning.

In a statement, the department said Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) takes the matter seriously and appropriate action has been taken.

“Based on an internal investigation, there was an error by the broadcast commentator, who mentioned Indonesia’s President as Joko Widodo, whereas the current President is Prabowo Subianto.

“RTM hereby apologises to the President and Indonesian government, as well as to all parties affected by this mistake,” the statement said.

The department added that RTM will continue to strengthen editorial control and fact-checking to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all information conveyed.

The ceremony, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was attended by all ASEAN leaders, including Prabowo.

 Also present were United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres, European Council president Antonio Costa, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and World Bank vice-president for East Asia and the Pacific Carlos Felipe Jaramillo.

The 47th ASEAN Summit is being held from Oct 26 to 28 under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

-- BERNAMA