Indonesian president asks Trump for meeting with son Eric in ‘hot mic’ moment
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US President Donald Trump and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shake hands as they pose for a photo at the summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto asked US President Donald Trump on Oct 13 if he could meet with Mr Trump’s son Eric, an executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation, according to comments by the leaders picked up by a microphone after Mr Trump had addressed a Gaza-focused summit in Egypt.
Mr Trump and Mr Prabowo, who were also seen on video footage, appeared to be unaware that a live microphone was recording their conversation.
The two spoke in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh after Mr Trump delivered remarks to a group of world leaders
The White House and the Trump Organisation’s Indonesian business partner, MNC Group, did not respond to requests for comment on the exchange.
It was not clear in the audio whether the two were referencing the Trump Organisation or any business deals involving the president or his family.
Mr Eric Trump (right) and his father, US President Donald Trump at the grand opening of Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen in Scotland, Britain, on July 29.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Speaking to Mr Trump as the two men stood behind a podium with a microphone, Mr Prabowo refers to a region that is "not safe, security-wise" and then asks Mr Trump: "Can I meet Eric?"
Mr Trump says: "I'll have Eric call. Should I do that? He's such a good boy. I'll have Eric call."
Mr Prabowo then mentions the name “Hary” in a comment and says “we’ll look for a better place”. Mr Trump says again: “I’ll have Eric call you.”
Mr Prabowo says: "Eric or Don Jr."
Mr Eric Trump and his brother Donald Trump Jr both serve as executive vice-presidents of the Trump Organisation, which has business operations involving real estate, hospitality and blockchain-based ventures.
Long-time partner
It was unclear who Mr Prabowo was referring to when he mentioned “Hary”.
The MNC conglomerate’s founder and executive chairman is Mr Hary Tanoesoedibjo, a long-time business partner of the Trump Organisation, who attended the US president’s inauguration earlier in 2025.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono said he did not know what the president spoke to Mr Trump about, adding the two leaders shared a close relationship and could have discussed issues outside of state affairs.
When asked by reporters whether Mr Prabowo was referring to Mr Tanoesoedibjo, Mr Sugiono said he had not heard the recording.
MNC’s property unit MNC Land operates an integrated resort in partnership with the Trump Organisation about 60km south of Jakarta.
In February, the environment ministry ordered MNC Land to halt development of the project over water management and environmental issues.
The Trump Organisation and MNC Land are also developing a luxury resort and a golf club in Tabanan, on the Indonesian island of Bali. The project is listed on the Trump Organisation’s website as “coming soon”. Both projects have faced significant delays REUTERS
