When Joko Widodo was inaugurated as Indonesia’s President in 2014, his eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, had little interest in attending.
At the time, 27-year-old Gibran preferred a life away from politics and did not support his father’s decision to enter the political arena, according to former adviser Andi Widjajanto.
He eventually attended the ceremony, persuaded by his grandmother.
Fast forward to October 20, 2023, and Gibran will attend another swearing-in ceremony this time as Indonesia’s Vice President.
He will serve alongside retired General Prabowo Subianto, who, at 72, is succeeding Widodo.
This marks a remarkable shift for Gibran, who was initially reluctant about politics.
Fifteen sources, including senior government officials and political advisers, told Reuters that Widodo encouraged his introverted son to pursue a political career, hoping to maintain influence after his presidency.
Four sources also detailed Prabowo’s early moves to connect with Gibran, well before the minimum age for the vice presidency was controversially lowered, enabling him to qualify.
Most spoke anonymously, lacking authorization to comment publicly.
Spokespeople for Widodo, Gibran, and Prabowo declined to comment.
While the vice presidency has limited formal power, Gibran’s actual influence will depend on his relationship with Prabowo.
Five sources close to Prabowo suggested he may be tasked with digitizing the economy, overseeing the new capital, or managing Prabowo’s food program.
At 37, Gibran will be Indonesia’s youngest vice president, having previously served only three years as a mayor.
Political researcher Firman Noor observed, “People say that most likely he will be a lame duck.”
Political dynasties are not new to Indonesia.
Former president Megawati Sukarnoputri is the daughter of the nation’s founder, and Prabowo was once married to Suharto’s daughter.
But Widodo, a former small-scale timber seller, won voters’ hearts with his humble background and lack of political connections.
Until 2019, Gibran was not politically active, focusing on his food businesses.
However, barred from a third term, Widodo began planning his post-presidential influence and encouraged Gibran to run for mayor of Solo.
Initially uninterested, Gibran eventually warmed up to the idea and won the position under the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the same party that backed his father’s presidency.
However, tensions with PDI-P and its leader Megawati ultimately pushed Widodo and Gibran toward Prabowo’s camp.
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