Prabowo Calls Cak Imin, Dasco, Bahlil 'Trio Kancil', Commentators Reveal Double Meaning

Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin), Bahlil Lahadalia and Sufmi Dasco Ahmad who were called by President Prabowo as the Kancil Trio. (Photo: Golkar Party Instagram)

JAKARTA - Political communication expert, Jamiluddin Ritonga, assessed that the term "trio kancil" which was launched by President Prabowo Subianto to the General Chair of the PKB Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin), the Chairman of the Gerindra Party Harian Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and the General Chair of the Golkar Party Bahlil Lahadalia was considered to have various meanings.

Moreover, Prabowo joked that if the three of them gathered, the situation could be troublesome and dangerous. According to him, the use of the term cannot be separated from the character of the rabbit in folk stories that are synonymous with ingenuity and ingenuity.

"The use of the words troublesome and dangerous could be because the civet in folk tales is often equated with being clever and tends to be cunning," said Jamil, Sunday, July 26.

He explained that the kancil is often portrayed as a figure who is able to find various strategies to get out of problems.

On the other hand, ingenuity is also often interpreted as cunning when used to deceive or gain personal advantage.

Therefore, even though Prabowo's statement was delivered in a joking atmosphere, Jamil considered it reasonable for the public to interpret it seriously.

"So, even though Prabowo said that if three kancil gather they could be a hassle and dangerous in a joke, the expression could be perceived by the public seriously," he continued.

He stated that it was not impossible that some people viewed the three figures as "dangerous" figures.

This perception can arise because the character of the rabbit has long been associated with ingenuity and cunning.

However, Jamil revealed that in the context of modern politics, the nickname "kancil" can also be interpreted positively, namely as a figure who is agile, loyal, and skilled in formulating strategies behind the scenes.

"Prabowo can attach kancil to the three figures only in the context of modern politics. At least it is seen from the perspective of the front stage," he said.

However, if viewed from the perspective of the "backstage", the public can have a different interpretation.

In politics, ingenuity is often used to gain political advantage. Because, in politics, nothing is free, everything depends on the interests of each party.

Jamil emphasized that this was the double meaning of Prabowo's joke about the "trio kancil" who gathered could become "trouble" and "dangerous".

"It seems that this is where the opportunity to bother and endanger the civet gathers as Prabowo jokes but it means double," he said.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto launched the term when giving a speech at the 28th anniversary of the PKB Harlah, some time ago.

On that occasion, he joked that if Muhaimin Iskandar, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and Bahlil Lahadalia gathered, the situation could become "a mess" and "dangerous".