Bobby Kertanegara (adopted 2017) is a domestic shorthaired tabby cat, known for being the pet of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. After being adopted as a stray at Prabowo's residence on Jalan Kertanegara IV, Jakarta, Bobby quickly became a familiar presence during political events and social media appearances. Following Prabowo’s inauguration as President on 20 October 2024, Bobby moved into the Merdeka Palace.[1]

Bobby Kertanegara
Bobby with Prabowo and Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang
SpeciesCat (Felis catus)
BreedShorthaired tabby
SexMale
BornUnknown (adopted in 2017)
Jakarta, Indonesia
OccupationIndonesian presidential pet
Years active20 October 2024 – present
Known forPrabowo Subianto's pet cat, often featured on social media and official events
OwnerPrabowo Subianto
ResidenceMerdeka Palace
Named afterJalan Kertanegara IV, Jakarta (named after Kertanegara)
Instagram account

Biography

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Bobby was initially found as a stray around 2017 near Prabowo's residence in Jakarta. After adopting him, Prabowo named him Bobby, after Jalan Kertanegara IV. Bobby lived with Prabowo's family and was frequently seen during gatherings and meetings with political figures.[2][3] Although he had been with the family since 2017, Bobby's presence became known to the public in 2018, when he appeared alongside Prabowo in various media.[4]

During an internal meeting of the Gerindra Party at Kertanegara, Prabowo was photographed feeding Bobby, and the image quickly went viral online. Following the viral attention, a special Instagram account, initially called @bobbythek4t and later changed to @bobbykertanegara, was created to share Bobby's daily life through photos and videos. The account has gained significant popularity, amassing 591,000 followers.[1] The account, managed actively, has garnered a large following, including many of Prabowo's supporters.[5][6] Followers can view a variety of Bobby’s activities, such as playing, being taken for walks in a stroller, and accompanying Prabowo during notable events. One post featured Bobby supporting the Indonesian national team before a match against China. Bobby is frequently shown alongside Prabowo during meetings with guests and at public appearances.[7]

Arrival at the presidential palace

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After Prabowo was inaugurated as President of Indonesia in 2024, Bobby was not only at the Kertanegara house, but also often attended the Palace.[8] Bobby became one of the first cats to be allowed to live in the palace environment, something that is rare in government.[9][10] On several occasions, Prabowo even mentioned that Bobby should "see his room at the Palace," creating a lighthearted atmosphere in the midst of formal events.[11] Bobby's presence at the Palace shows how important a role this pet plays in Prabowo's daily life, both as a personal soother and entertainment for guests.[12][13]

Everyday life

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Bobby Kertanegara leads an active and well-cared-for life as a beloved pet in President Prabowo Subianto's family. One of his favorite pastimes includes being taken on walks around the house in a custom-made cat stroller bearing his name and logo.[14] His close bond with Prabowo is evident, as the President is frequently seen playing with Bobby during breaks in his busy schedule. These interactions, often shared on social media, show Bobby accompanying Prabowo even during formal events. In addition to his public appearances, Bobby enjoys dedicated relaxation time at home, playing with his toys, and receiving attention from family members and staff at the Kertanegara house.[15]

See also

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Reference

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  1. ^ a b Ng, Eillen (22 October 2024). "Indonesia's 'first cat' Bobby Kertanegara moves to presidential palace". The Straits Times. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  2. ^ Dwipayanti, Cahya (21 October 2024). "Bobby Kertanegara, Dari Kucing yang Suka Berkeliaran di Rumah Prabowo Kini Jadi Penghuni Istana Negara". BaliPost.com (in Indonesian). Denpasar. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  3. ^ Mawardi, Isal (18 February 2024). "Dubes China Temui Prabowo dan Ucapkan Selamat, Bobby The Cat Ikut Mejeng". Detik.com (in Indonesian). Jakarta. Archived from the original on 19 February 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  4. ^ Putri, Budiarti Utami (21 October 2024). "Bobby, Prabowo's Beloved Cat, From Kertanegara Until Staying at the Presidential Palace". Tempo. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  5. ^ Ababil, Shinta Nurma (21 October 2024). Anwar Bahar Basalamah (ed.). "Fakta Unik Bobby Kertanegara, Kucing Jawa Kesayangan Presiden Prabowo Subianto yang Memiliki Ratusan Ribu Pengikut di Instagram". Jawa Pos (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  6. ^ Lulu, Syifa (21 October 2024). Lulu, Syifa (ed.). "Jumlah Pengikut Instagram Bobby Kertanegara Melonjak Usai Resmi Jadi Penghuni Istana Negara, Ini Potret Lucunya". Disway.id (in Indonesian). Jakarta. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  7. ^ Prabowo Subianto (18 February 2024). "Terima kasih Duta Besar Republik Rakyat Tiongkok H.E. Lu Kang @chinaembassy_indonesia atas ucapan selamat dan kunjungannya kepada saya di Rumah Kertanegara, Jakarta. @bobbykertanegara juga ikut mendampingi menerima kunjungan Duta Besar". Retrieved 21 October 2024 – via Instagram.
  8. ^ Aria Putra, Danan Daya (20 October 2024). Diana Rafika Sari (ed.). "Gemas! Prabowo Boyong Kucing Kesayangan Bobby Kertanegara ke Istana". Sindonews.com (in Indonesian). Jakarta. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  9. ^ Grace El Dora (21 October 2024). "Bobby Kertanegara, Kucing Prabowo yang Resmi Jadi Penghuni Istana". Investor.id (in Indonesian). Jakarta. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  10. ^ Esra Dopita Maret (21 October 2024). "Selain Bobby Kertanegara, Ini 4 Kucing Peliharaan Presiden Dunia yang Pernah Tinggal di Istana". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Jakarta. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  11. ^ Maulana, Gibran (20 October 2024). "Prabowo Main Bareng Bobby Kertanegara di Istana: Bobby, Mau Lihat Kamar?". Detik.com (in Indonesian). Jakarta. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  12. ^ Anindya Bakrie (20 October 2024). "Di Istana menunggu RI 1 bersama @bobbykertanegara 🐈❤️" (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 October 2024 – via Instagram.
  13. ^ Mulan Jameela (20 October 2024). "Bismillahirrahmanirrahim..." (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 October 2024 – via Instagram.
  14. ^ Chahyanti, Dhina (21 October 2024). "Bobby Kertanegara Lagi Viral, Harga Strollernya Bikin Tercengang". TIMESIndonesia.co.id (in Indonesian). Ahmad Rizki Mubarok. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  15. ^ Elmira, Putu (16 October 2024). "Mengenal Bobby Kertanegara, Kucing Kesayangan Prabowo yang Menggemaskan". SEAToday.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 October 2024.