21-2-2024 (JAKARTA) An Indonesian couple has made headlines after naming their newborn baby ‘Prabowo Gibran’ in tribute to their preferred candidates in the country’s recent election. The heartwarming story gained attention when a midwife, who assisted with the delivery, shared the news on Facebook.
The midwife, Desi Puspitasari, described the baby as “gemoy,” a local slang term meaning cute and adorable. This expression is closely associated with Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, who used it during his presidential campaign.
In a follow-up Facebook post, Puspitasari expressed her surprise at the viral response the news received. She recounted the events leading to the baby’s birth, explaining that she and other midwives were en route to a polling station in Celikah village, South Sumatra, to cast their votes and monitor the health of voters. However, a couple arrived at the Village Health Post seeking assistance, as the wife was experiencing abdominal pain and showing signs of labor.
Recognizing the imminent arrival of the baby, Puspitasari quickly arranged for another midwife to join her, emphasizing the importance of having “four hands” during childbirth. At 8:40 am on February 14, 2024, the baby boy was born, coinciding with both Valentine’s Day and the election day in Indonesia.
Desi Puspitasari revealed the reason behind the baby’s unique name, stating, “Today is the day of love, and today is the day of the elections. Coincidentally, the father (of the baby) is a supporter of presidential candidate pair Prabowo-Gibran, hence the baby was given the name (Prabowo Gibran).” She also expressed her optimism, as unofficial quick-count polls indicated a high chance of victory for the Prabowo-Gibran pair in the presidential race.
On February 14, 2024, Indonesia held its presidential election, with unofficial quick counts suggesting that Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, were leading the polls. Quick count results provide early unofficial vote counts, which are considered reliable if a candidate secures over 50 percent of the total vote, with a margin of error within the quick counts’ range.
