Profile of Bobby Kertanegara, the Beloved Cat of President Prabowo Subianto

 

Forget cabinet ministers and military parades—for a brief, heartwarming moment, the most talked-about figure at President Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration wasn’t human at all. It was a cat. A fluffy, whiskered, four-legged VIP lounging in the Merdeka Palace lobby: Bobby Kertanegara, the nation's unofficial First Cat.

Adorned with a permanently curious expression and a calm charisma that rivals his owner’s, Bobby has become more than a pet—he's a furry national icon.

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From Street Stray to Presidential Purr-sonality

Bobby wasn’t always brushing shoulders with diplomats. His story began on the streets near Jalan Kertanegara IV in Jakarta, where a chance encounter changed his life. Around 2017, a wandering Bobby crossed paths with Prabowo Subianto, who—moved by the scruffy cat’s quiet dignity—decided to take him in.

Named after the very street where he was discovered, Bobby soon went from stray to superstar.

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A Viral Sensation with Political Ties

Though he’d been living with Prabowo since 2017, Bobby didn’t become a public figure until 2018, when behind-the-scenes moments of Prabowo feeding him during Gerindra Party meetings began surfacing online. Naturally, the internet couldn’t get enough.

Soon, Bobby had his own Instagram page—first under the playful handle @bobbythek4t, eventually rebranded as @bobbykertanegara—and just like that, Indonesia had a new celebrity. As of now, Bobby’s follower count has skyrocketed past 634,000, with his everyday antics delighting thousands of fans.

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Cat of the People (and the Palace)

Bobby isn’t just an internet darling—he’s a cat of the people. He’s made appearances at official events, posed with party officials, and even inspired a feline-themed event hosted by the Gerindra Party in 2019 called “A Happy Life with Bobby the Cat.” There, cat lovers gathered for contests, health checkups, and plenty of meows.

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Bobby at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of the furry figure stealing the spotlight:

• Name: Bobby Kertanegara

• Species: Domestic Short-Haired Cat (DSH)

• Breed: Indonesian Domestic Cat

• Gender: Male

• Residence: Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

• Owner: President Prabowo Subianto

• Instagram: @bobbykertanegara

• YouTube Channel: Bobby Kertanegara

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The Life of a Presidential Pet

These days, Bobby enjoys the good life—his humble beginnings now a distant memory. Whether he’s being wheeled around in his customized stroller, lounging in sun-drenched palace windows, or inspecting the scene from under a velvet curtain, Bobby carries himself with a kind of quiet confidence.

He’s often seen in photos and short videos snuggled up to Prabowo, sitting in on important meetings, or even appearing at diplomatic gatherings. He’s not just a pet; he’s part of the entourage.

And when he’s off-duty? Bobby enjoys all the perks of palace living—playtime with plush toys, belly rubs from staff, and long, lazy naps while the country hums outside.

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More Than a Meme

Fans online lovingly refer to him as “Prabobby” or simply “Bobby the Cat.” His facial resemblance to Prabowo—down to their matching serious stares—has become an affectionate joke among netizens. But Bobby is more than just a meme. He’s a symbol of warmth in politics, a reminder that even the busiest leaders can find joy in caring for something small and gentle.

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Final Thoughts: The Cat That Captured a Nation

Bobby Kertanegara may not make speeches or sign bills, but he’s touched hearts across Indonesia. As Prabowo Subianto settles into his role as the 8th President of Indonesia, Bobby remains a constant by his side—a silent observer, a furry confidant, and perhaps, the country’s most beloved mascot.

And who knows? With that kind of charm, Bobby might just purr his way into the history books.