TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Indonesian rapper Brian Imanuel Soewarno, also known as Rich Brian, discussed music in Bogor Presidential Palace, on Sunday, July 8.

“We talk about music and my next album,” said Brian after welcomed by the President in the palace.

The 19-year-old rapper said that it was his first time to visit the palace. “And to meet Pak Jokowi too,” he said while accompanying with the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) head Triawan Munaf.

Munaf considered Brian an inspiration for young Indonesians as he was the first Asian artist who perched top in the world’s iTunes Hip Hop Chart. He was also featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2018.

“Brian represents a young man who dares to explore the world with his own careers,” said Munaf.

Aside from being a singer, Brian is also a record producer and rap and hip hop songwriter. He is known for his viral debut through his song "Dat $tick" released in March 2016 and then kicked off his first American tour in April 2017.

President Jokowi along with Triawan Munaf and national figures including Wishnutama welcomed Rich Brian and INCINC in the presidential office in Bogor Palace, Sunday, at 10:00 Western Indonesia Time (WIB).

ANTARA