Gibran Rakabuming Raka

Vice President-elect of Indonesia
Gibran Rakabuming Raka
Election portrait, 2023
Vice President-elect of Indonesia
Assuming office
20 October 2024  
PresidentPrabowo Subianto (elect)
SucceedingMa'ruf Amin
17th Mayor of Surakarta
Incumbent
Assumed office
26 February 2021
DeputyTeguh Prakosa
Preceded byF. X. Hadi Rudyatmo
Succeeded byTBA
Personal details
Born (1987-10-01) 1 October 1987 (age 36)
Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
Political partyIndependent
Other political
affiliations		PDI-P (2019–2023)
Spouse
Selvi Ananda
​
(m. 
  • Businessperson
  • politician

Gibran Rakabuming Raka (born 1 October 1987) is an Indonesian politician and businessman who is the vice president-elect of Indonesia. He is currently serving as the mayor of Surakarta. He is the eldest child of the seventh President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. In the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, he ran as the vice presidential candidate of Prabowo Subianto.

Gibran completed his first nine years of education in Surakarta, before moving to Singapore where he studied at Orchid Park Secondary School. Despite his relatively short time in office, Gibran's impact on Surakarta has been significant, leading to him being named the most popular mayor in 2021, according to the Indonesia Indicator.[1][2]

Early life

Gibran was born in Surakarta, Central Java, on 1 October 1987, as the eldest child and son of Joko Widodo and Iriana who have three children. Gibran completed his first nine years of education in Surakarta, before moving to Singapore where he studied at Orchid Park Secondary School.[3] After graduating from secondary school, Gibran enrolled in UTS Insearch, the pathway program for foreign students who want to study at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia, but decided to move back to Singapore for his college undergraduate education. He obtained his diploma from the Management Development Institute of Singapore in 2010, with a degree from the University of Bradford.[3][4][2]

Business career

After a couple of years working for his family's furniture business, Gibran in 2010 founded Chilli Pari, a catering business based in Surakarta. According to Gibran, he was inspired to set up the company after noticing the lack of a catering service for a conference center owned by his father. Jokowi, who intended for Gibran to inherit the leadership of his furniture business, initially opposed his eldest son's decision to become a caterer. However, the company grew and became focused on providing services for wedding parties.[5]

Gibran then in 2015 started Markobar, a martabak chain, which opened in 29 locations in Indonesia by 2017.[6] Jokowi said in 2017 that though he did not initially approve of his son's food business, Gibran's company ended up being valued higher than his furniture company.[7] Gibran's reported wealth, filed in 2020 as a prerequisite to run for office, was reported at Rp22.1 billion.[8]

Political career

Mayor of Surakarta

Gibran (center) alongside his running mate, Teguh Prakosa (right), being inaugurated in 2021.

In July 2019, Gibran was named a favorite candidate for the 2020 Surakarta mayoral election, according to a survey by Slamet Riyadi University based in the city. The mayor of Surakarta was his father's position before becoming Governor of Jakarta and later President of Indonesia[9] Two months after the survey, Gibran registered as a member of PDI-P, his father's political party, to run in the mayoral election.[10] PDI-P officially endorsed Gibran as their mayoral candidate in July 2020, pairing him with city council speaker Teguh Prakosa.[11]

Realizing it would be futile to challenge Jokowi's influence in the race, all parties represented in the city council endorsed Gibran except the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), potentially creating an uncontested election.[12] However, Bagyo Wahyono, a tailor by profession, registered as an independent candidate and was approved on 6 September 2020.[13] In the election itself, Gibran won a landslide victory after winning 86.53 percent of votes (225,451 votes). Besides benefitting from his status as the son of the incumbent president and the city's most popular former mayor, Gibran's campaign spent nearly 30 times more compared to Bagyo's.[14]

Despite his relatively short time in office, Gibran's impact on Surakarta has been significant, leading to him being named the most popular mayor in 2021, according to the Indonesia Indicator (I2). This recognition is attributed not only to his close relationship with his father, President Joko Widodo, but also to his proactive steps in addressing the impact of Covid-19 and promoting policies that garnered substantial media coverage.[1]

Vice-presidential candidacy

Campaign logo of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran for the 2024 Indonesian general election.

In late 2022, several Jokowi-supporting groups began to endorse Gibran as a vice presidential candidate in the 2024 Indonesian presidential election.[15][16] At the time of the endorsements, the criteria for becoming a vice presidential candidate included being 40 years or older, while Gibran would be 37 at the time of the election.[17] To enable Gibran to run, the Constitutional Court of Indonesia under the leadership of Gibran's uncle-in-law Anwar Usman on 17 October 2023 made a controversial ruling that added an exception to the minimum age for individuals who had been elected as regional leaders.[18] Four days later, on 21 October 2023, the Golkar party which had been part of Prabowo Subianto's coalition declared Gibran as the party's vice presidential candidate although he was still part of PDI-P.[19]

Prabowo announced Gibran as his official running mate the following day.[20] Gibran was absent during the announcement due to his mayoral work in Surakarta.[21] He then sent a letter to his father, the president, the next day, to request permission.[22]

The General Elections Commission (KPU) leadership was found to have committed ethics violations surrounding Gibran’s vice presidential registration for allowing him to register his candidacy before the commission had adjusted the age minimum for candidates in its internal regulation.[23]

After the election which took place in February 14, Prabowo and Gibran took the lead in the quick counts with an average percentage of 57% compared to the Anies-Muhaimin ticket with an average of 27% and Ganjar-Mahfud ticket with an average of 16%. The percentage indicated that Prabowo and Gibran won the election in the first round.

Controversies

Vice-presidential candidacy

Gibran's vice-presidential candidacy has been deemed controversial due to his young age of 36. As the Constitutional Court under Anwar Usman's leadership has ruled that he can run for vice president through an exception for elected regional leaders,[18] Gibran's eligibility for candidacy has been challenged repeatedly. The KPU was found to have committed ethics violations surrounding Gibran's vice presidential registration for allowing him to register his candidacy before the commission had adjusted the age minimum for candidates in its internal regulation.[24] A lawsuit was filed by the Indonesian Democracy Defenders (TPDI) and the Indonesian Advocates Movement (Perekat Nusantara) against Joko Widodo, Gibran Rakabuming, Anwar Usman and First Lady Iriana alleging nepotism and political dynasty on the part of the respondents, but was dismissed by the Jakarta State Administrative Court a day before the election.[25] Due to the decision and Gibran's lack of political experience, he was referred as "nepo baby" by Al Jazeera.[26]

Sulfuric acid gaffes

In one of his campaign activities on 3 December 2023, Gibran said that one of the solution to stunting for pregnant mothers is to consume sulfuric acid instead of folic acid, which he apologized and later correct himself on the next day.[27] For his statements, he was ridiculed by rivaling supporters and even Anies Baswedan, who openly ridicule him by saying that pregnant mothers can just get it from a plant based food and not in a workshop.[28][29]

Personal life

On 11 June 2015, Gibran married Selvi Ananda, the winner of the 2009 Puteri Solo (Miss Solo) beauty pageant. They met when Gibran was a jury in that competition.[30][31] The couple's first child, a son called Jan Ethes Srinarendra, was born on 10 March 2016.[32] On 15 November 2019, Gibran's wife gave birth to a daughter at the Muhammadiyah Hospital in Surakarta. She was named La Lembah Manah.[33][34]

Gibran is a fan of FC Barcelona and admitted that he is a long time fan of the club.[35] During his campaign for mayor in August 2020, he wore the club's jersey during an online exercise session with his supporters.[36] Gibran also a fan of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and The Adventures of Tintin,[37] but he often uses Naruto in his appearance to the media.[38][39][40]

References

  1. ^ a b "Profil dan Prestasi Gibran Rakabuming Raka sebagai Wali Kota Solo". Bisnis.com (in Indonesian). 22 November 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  2. ^ a b Tan, Min-Wei (21 November 2023). "Indonesia VP candidate Gibran accused of faking education, shows degree received at S'pore MDIS as proof". Mothership. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  3. ^ a b Hamdan, Nuranisa (23 December 2017). "Profil Gibran Rakabuming Raka Calon Wali Kota Surakarta". Tagar.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 8 October 2019.
  4. ^ Min, Chew Hui (21 November 2014). "Jokowi in Singapore for son's graduation: Other leaders whose children studied here". The Straits Times. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  5. ^ "Mengenal Gibran Anak Jokowi dan Tekad Bisnis Kateringnya". detiknews (in Indonesian). 26 November 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  6. ^ "Perjalanan Bisnis Gibran Rakabuming, dari Katering, Martabak hingga yang "Masih Rahasia"". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). 29 August 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  7. ^ "'Curhat' Presiden Jokowi soal bisnis anak-anaknya: martabak dan pisang goreng". BBC (in Indonesian). 19 December 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  8. ^ "Solo Election Candidate Gibran Rakabuming's Wealth Worth Rp22 billion". Tempo. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  9. ^ "Jokowi's son a favorite for Surakarta mayoral election: Survey". The Jakarta Post. 26 July 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  10. ^ Putri, Virgina Maulita (23 September 2019). "Tentang Gibran Rakabuming yang Dulu Ogah Politik, Kini Daftar Jadi Kader PDIP". detiknews (in Indonesian). Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  11. ^ Budiman, Aditya (17 July 2020). "Pencalonan Gibran Rakabuming Disebut Pertanda Buruk Bagi PDIP". Tempo (in Indonesian). Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  12. ^ "Semua Partai Kecuali PKS Beri Dukungan, Gibran Calon Tunggal Pilwalkot Solo?". Kumparan (in Indonesian). 17 July 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  13. ^ "In Indonesia, making of a mayor sparks talk of nation's newest dynasty". Reuters. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  14. ^ "Gibran-Teguh Habiskan Rp 3,2 Miliar untuk Pilkada Solo 2020, Bajo Rp 110 Juta". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). 20 January 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  15. ^ NV, Tara Wahyu (8 February 2023). "Gibran Masuk Bursa Cawapres Musra Relawan Jokowi: Umure Ra Cukup". detikjateng (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  16. ^ "Gibran Masuk Bursa Cawapres Hasil Musra Relawan Jokowi Asia Timur". CNN Indonesia (in Indonesian). 30 November 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  17. ^ "Gibran Tak Memenuhi Syarat Maju Pilpres 2024, Ini Penyebabnya". SINDOnews Nasional (in Indonesian). 16 February 2021. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  18. ^ a b Mutiara, Aulia (17 October 2023). "Putusan MK: Gibran & 12 Kepala Daerah Ini Bisa Maju Cawapres". CNBC Indonesia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  19. ^ "Golkar Resmi Usung Gibran Rakabuming Jadi Cawapres Prabowo". CNN Indonesia (in Indonesian). 21 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  20. ^ "Prabowo Resmi Umumkan Gibran Rakabuming Raka Jadi Cawapres". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  21. ^ ANUGRAHANTO, NINO CITRA (2023-10-23). "Tak Hadir Saat Pengumuman Bakal Cawapres, Gibran ke Mana?". kompas.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  22. ^ "Gibran Surati Jokowi Minta Izin Maju Jadi Cawapres". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  23. ^ "KPU found guilty of ethics breach in handling of Gibran VP bid - Politics". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
  24. ^ Suhenda, Dio; Janti, Nur. "KPU found guilty of ethics breach in handling of Gibran VP bid - Politics". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  25. ^ Bhwana, Petir Garda (2024-02-15). "Court Dismisses Lawsuit against Jokowi over Political Dynasty, Nepotism". Tempo. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  26. ^ Llewellyn, Aisyah (2023-12-23). "Indonesian leader's son brushes off 'nepo baby' tag in feted debate showing". Al Jazeera.
  27. ^ Egeham, Lisza (2023-12-04). "Viral Sebut Ibu Hamil Butuh Asam Sulfat, Gibran: Maaf, Mohon Dikoreksi". Liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  28. ^ "Gibran Rakabuming Jadi Bahan Olok-olokan Netizen, Salah Sebut Ibu Hamil Butuh Asam Sulfat". TribunHealth.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  29. ^ "Anies soal Asam Folat Cegah Stunting: Itu dari Tanaman, Bukan Bengkel". 5 December 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  30. ^ Wahyuningsih, Merry; Priherdityo, Endro (2015-06-11). "Sah! Gibran Rakabuming Resmi Jadi Suami Selvi Ananda". gaya hidup (in Indonesian). CNN Indonesia. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  31. ^ "Mengenal Calon Menantu Jokowi, Selvi Putri Solo dari Kalangan Jelata". detiknews (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  32. ^ "Cucu Jokowi Diberi Nama Jan Ethes Srinarendra, Ini Artinya". Tribunnews.com (in Indonesian). 11 March 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  33. ^ "Selamat, Anak Kedua Gibran Rakabuming dan Selvi Ananda Lahir". Liputan6.com (in Indonesian). 2019-11-15. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  34. ^ Isnanto, Bayu Ardi. "Cucu Ketiga Jokowi Bernama La Lembah Manah, Ini Dia Artinya". detiknews (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  35. ^ "Fans Barcelona, Gibran Rakabuming Mengaku Sedih Bayern Muenchen Juara Liga Champions". Tribunnews.com. 2020-08-24. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  36. ^ "Klub Bola Favorit Capres-Cawapres: Manchester United, Barcelona dan Persija". www.indosport.com. 2023-10-25. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  37. ^ firmansyah (2023-04-21). "Pilih Naruto atau One Piece, Ini Jawaban Gibran Rakabuming Raka". www.intipseleb.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  38. ^ "Gibran ganti baju jadi pakai jaket Naruto saat debat cawapres". CNN Indonesia. 2024-01-21.
  39. ^ "Bikin Salfok, Gibran Rakabuming Pakai Background Anime saat Wawancara TV". www.antvklik.com. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  40. ^ Purnama, Safira Dewi (16 November 2023). "Gibran Unggah Foto Sasuke dan Boruto di Platform X, Warganet: Negeri Konoha Memang Nyata". JawaPos.
Political offices
Preceded by Vice President of Indonesia
Assuming office in 2024 		Succeeded by
Elect
Preceded by Mayor of Surakarta
2021–present 		Incumbent