18-10-2023 (JAKARTA) Speculation is rife regarding potential running mates for Prabowo Subianto, a retired general and prominent contender in Indonesia’s upcoming presidential election. Among the “strongest” contenders, sources say, is the eldest son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi.
Prabowo, a former special forces commander, is making his third bid for the presidency, having lost twice to Jokowi. For months, there has been anticipation that Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, might join Prabowo’s ticket as vice-president.
However, the 36-year-old mayor of Surakarta city was initially ineligible due to his age. That changed on Monday when the Constitutional Court ruled that individuals elected to regional posts could contest the 2024 election, irrespective of their age. This ruling has ignited controversy and criticism in Indonesia.
Critics have raised concerns about the integrity of the court, especially given that Jokowi’s brother-in-law serves as the chief justice. Under Indonesia’s constitution, presidents are limited to serving a maximum of two terms. Some accuse Jokowi of trying to maintain influence even after leaving office by facilitating an alliance between his son and Prabowo.
“Gibran is certainly one of the strongest candidates for Prabowo’s VP, especially after the Constitutional Court approved the petition that made him eligible to run,” remarked Andre Rosiade, an official at Prabowo’s Gerindra party. In addition to Gibran, the shortlist of potential running mates for Prabowo includes East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and State-owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir.
A final decision on the vice-presidential candidate is expected to emerge in the coming days during a meeting of all the party leaders within Prabowo’s seven-party coalition. Reports indicate that these seven parties have already agreed to support Gibran for the position of vice-president, according to an alliance party official. However, this information remains unverified at present.
Candidates, along with their chosen running mates, are slated to register with the election commission between October 19 and 25, marking a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s electoral landscape.
