Indonesia’s political landscape is abuzz with the recent announcement by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, who has chosen Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of President Joko Widodo, as his running mate for the upcoming presidential elections. This decision, reached after consensus among political party leaders supporting Prabowo, has the potential to solidify Jokowi’s political dynasty while reshaping alliances leading up to the crucial February 14th elections. However, it remains to be seen whether Gibran will accept the nomination.
Prabowo, 72, has scheduled his candidacy registration for Wednesday, the final day for presidential and vice-presidential registrations. The inclusion of Gibran in the campaign could require him to leave the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), of which Jokowi is a member, and extend his support to Prabowo’s Gerindra party. This move, though it could potentially intensify tensions between the president and his party leader, may secure more supporters for Prabowo.
If Gibran agrees to campaign alongside Prabowo, it would mark several significant firsts. A recent Constitutional Court ruling grants exceptions for those with regional leadership positions to contest without meeting the minimum 40-year age requirement. As the current mayor of Solo, Jokowi’s hometown, Gibran would become the country’s youngest-ever vice-presidential candidate. Furthermore, it would be the first time that the heir of a sitting president is vying for one of Indonesia’s highest offices.
While Jokowi has repeatedly emphasized his non-interference in the selection of presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as denied any intention of establishing a political dynasty, Gibran’s potential role as vice president could enable Jokowi to exert influence over the trajectory of Southeast Asia’s largest economy long after his term ends in 2024.
For Jokowi, his legacy is at stake, encompassing ambitious projects such as the $34 billion new capital and initiatives to propel Indonesia toward the status of a high-income economy by 2045. Meanwhile, Prabowo hopes that the inclusion of Jokowi’s son in his campaign will attract some of the president’s supporters. According to an October poll conducted by Lembaga Survei Indonesia, the Prabowo-Gibran pairing holds the top position with 35.9% support, leaving Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD in second place with 26.1%.
Furthermore, Prabowo’s campaign received a boost as the Constitutional Court dismissed petitions to set a maximum age limit of 70 years for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, thus clearing a potential hurdle.
As Indonesia braces itself for a pivotal presidential election, the selection of Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Prabowo Subianto’s vice-presidential candidate promises to reshape the political landscape, potentially consolidating Jokowi’s political dynasty while sparking realignment amongst rival factions. With significant implications for Jokowi’s legacy and Prabowo’s chances of securing the presidency, all eyes are now on the unfolding developments as the nation begins to chart its future course.
Market Capital Research 