After candidate pair of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated as the chosen pair in presidential election of 2024, one of the next target is to arrange a cabinet. As a member and Vice General Chairman of Gerindra, Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo affirms that she never ask a position as minister. However, if the country calls, she must be ready to fulfill the duty entrusted to her.
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The hustle and bustle has just passed, the Prabowo Subianto - Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair has been declared by the General Election Commission as the winner of the presidential election. As Deputy Chairperson of Gerindra's DPP for Youth, Women and Children, Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo suggested that the cabinet composition accommodate women and youth elements. "Our hope is that there should be representation of women in the cabinet, as well as representation of young people. But what is equally important in my opinion is capacity and capability, which can work," she said.
Indeed no written rule is needed regarding woman participation and young generations such as in the matters of woman legislative candidate that should reach 30 percent. “Despite the gender, whether he is young, or he is already old, to me it doesn't matter. That's where I entrusted it all to Mr. Prabowo,” she continued.
Personally, Sara — as so she usually called — never ask minister position to her uncle, Prabowo Subianto. Because, she always try to cover the side which can be a hole for political opposition to attack. “I will try to reject first, because I need to protect my uncle. Because however, there will be accusation of nepotism later and so forth,” she said.
But when the country needs her, she can't refuse. “Not my problem whether I'm ready or not, but the problem is I am the part of my family and my uncle. I don't want to be a trouble for cabinet later. If after they negotiate and it's already agreed and decided together, then for example it's asked to me, it's a different matter,” she explained to Iqbal Irsyad, Edy Suherli, Bambang Eros, and Irfan Medianto when visiting to VOI office in Tanah Abang area, Central Jakarta, recently. Here is the excerpt.
After the long fight, Gerindra Party and Coalition succeded to make Prabowo - Gibran win. According to you, what's the secret?
Alhamdulillah, firstly we can't deny that the coalition of Mr. Gibran in this constellation, not long after declaration of number after only with 'Mr Prabowo' to be 'Prabowo – Gibran', the number has increased in significant way. Of course logically, that things make sense, because those who are loyalist to Mr Prabowo' consider that Mr. Gibran is representation of Mr. Jokowi in General Election of 2024. So that there are many of his loyalists who eventually participate as supporter of Prabowo – Gibran. The increase rate is about 10 points.
Over time as a part of TKN, the hard work since October and November with clear coalition map and with legislative map that has been started, what we fight for is visible. Previously there are so many people who criticize why the survey number didn't go up although Gibran has joined. Many people think the number never increase, but after the legislative candidates also participate in Prabowo - Gibran Campaign beside their own campaign. And the hard work of all party is answered after the vote. The quick count result shows the point obtained by Prabowo - Gibran is highly satisfying.
Yes, all party fight in their own way. I think this is the result of hard work from all elements, from party, cadres, sympathizers, and volunteers. These volunteers are not few, they want to support but not affiliated with one of the party. Initially, I have a realistic expectation, that maybe I win with 51% margin or more. When exit poll is carried out, the number has reached 54% to 56%, I am a little bit relieved. We submit it all to God, because nothing can be done. And after the quick count is published, our smile become wider, because the number reaches seven to eight percent.
I see this as their contribution which during the campaign they are silent, and that's a lot. After the result is visible, those who silent along this time finally make a voice. I am the part of those who are silent along this time.
How big is gen z effect in giving their vote?
The votes from generation Z and millenials are big indeed, 56% in national. There are some movements since January to provoke candidates of voters to not vote. I am so worried, because most of our supporters are generation Z and millenials. It turns out what we worried of is not proven. Those who are silent along this time, finally give response in voting site by choosing Prabowo - Gibran.
After declared to win, the next task is to build a cabinet and new government. Are you, as a cadre, asked for suggestion by Prabowo?
As usual, of course in any transition of government, there are some discussions in inter-political party regarding cabinet and government list. Even when the coalition is formed it has been discussed, that's what politic is. Am I asked for suggestion? No. He just accepts suggestion from the experts, his expert team; council of experts. Secondly, there are some suggestion from his trusted people. Then thirdly, his colleagues who are now still in the cabinet. Beside of course other political party leaders, but very limited. They have the right to propose names of minister candidates, but still it is Mr. Prabowo who decides.
Regardless you are asked for a suggestion or not, what is your suggestion for Prabowo-Gibran in forming the cabinet and government?
I trust the cabinet to Mr. Prabowo, because we already trust him since the beginning of his leadership. He understands the condition of Indonesia more than us, the normal cadre. Of course, we hope there should be representation of woman in cabinet, and the representation of young generation as well. But what is more important, according to me, is capacity and capability. Those who have capacity and able to work. Regardless the gender, whether they are young, or they are old, to me it doesn't matter. There, I trust it all to Mr. Prabowo.
So far, is there any name mentioned to fill the position in the cabinet?
Not yet mentioned specifically. Maybe there is someone mentioned or discovered by certain party. We still wait the announcement of manual count. Now, we still busy with month of fasting and ied al-fitr moment. This question shouldn't be directed to me. The probability that I am requested is so low. It's not the problem whether I am capable or ready or not, because we in Gerindra are trained as political fighters. If the country needs us, we will be ready. If any politician is not yet ready, why bother to get involved in politic?
It's not the problem whether I am ready or not, but the problem is I am the part of family of my father and uncle. I don't want to be a reason for problem in the future. So, if for example, after negotiation and agreement I'm requested, it's a different matter. But, I won't think about it right now because I am an elected legislative candidate. Of course, I must focus on how I can do my task as good as possible after my inauguration as DPR RI member. About the cabinet, it's in Mr. Prabowo entirely.
Are you ready if you are requested to be in cabinet?
I will try to refuse first because I need to protect my uncle. Because after all, there will be accusations of nepotism and so on.
Regarding women's representation in the cabinet, do you think it should be regulated?
In my opinion, data around the world has proven that the presence of women in leadership, both in business and government, has a positive impact. However, whether it should be regulated as a necessity is debatable. Adequate representation of women in the cabinet will reflect the capabilities of Indonesian women. For example, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau filled his cabinet with 50% women.
As Deputy Chairperson of Gerindra's DPP for Youth and Women's Affairs, what are your priority programs?
At Gerindra, we have a youth wing called Tidar (Tunas Indonesia Raya). Tidar was established six months after the party was founded, so it is the same age as the party. Tidar aims to be a platform for young people under 35 who want to get involved in politics and as a bridge between the party and young people. All of us in political parties have the same goal, which is to get as many votes as possible. When we become board members, we can influence government policy.
Tidar is a cadre formation center, different from the party school in Hambalang. We have a Leadership Academy, called Tunas, which consists of Tunas 1-4. To be a candidate for council, one must follow Tunas 1-4. For regional council, one must pass Tunas 3. To be a chairman or branch manager, one must follow Tunas 1-2. We have clear caderization process. Beside, our target is getting the votes from youth.
What are the current problems of Indonesian Youth in your opinion, especially considering that we will face a demographic bonus?
We have been fighting for this from the start, which is why Tidar was formed. We believe in the preparation of the younger generation, and Pak Prabowo emphasized that regeneration is inevitable. At the last Gerindra congress, he emphasized that the next DPP management must be dominated by young people at leadership level. That's why I was chosen as Deputy General Chair, and many other young people held important positions around him.
Is that his commitment to regeneration at Gerindra?
I want to clarify that it is not just a commitment, but rather has become a stance. Pak Prabowo not only promised, but also acted in accordance with his principles. He has a TNI background, where one has to retire at a certain age. He realized the importance of regeneration in Gerindra, because this party had to become bigger than himself. However, right now, he is our leader, and we trust him to show us the direction and next steps.
Most political parties in Indonesia, including Gerindra, place the family in the power structure. What's your response?
We are a minority in this regard. Of the young administrators in the DPP, only two people come from the family. I myself did not receive any special treatment in the process of reaching my current position. All of this goes through a fair process.
Regarding emancipation, is the current situation in line with the hopes of RA Kartini and other female heroes?
Women's emancipation has two sides. First, women are often pressured to realize their potential. However, we often forget that women are underdeveloped due to a lack of historical knowledge and literacy. We have many great female figures in Indonesia, but many forget their contributions due to a lack of understanding of history.
But aren't there already women who occupy high positions in government?
Yes, but they are usually elected through the institution's internal system, not through general elections. We still have a lot to do in this regard. I hope that one day, the presence of women in leadership will become commonplace.
Are the challenges women face today different from before?
Yes, I face challenges on several fronts. First, in terms of politics, a political system with no spending limits makes it easier for people with money or popularity to win. Second, in economic terms, many women still experience discrimination even though they have the same potential. And third, in terms of culture, there is still a stigma against women, even from women themselves.
What can we do to change views and culture towards women?
The perception that women are only suitable for household matters must be changed. This cannot only be done by teaching, but also by example. I have shown that a woman can do anything, even while pregnant. We all have a role to play in changing this perspective.
How can we overcome the social problems experienced by women?
All social problems are basically related to economic aspects. We have to look holistically, whether there are enough jobs for everyone. We must also pay attention to economic welfare, because it is directly related to social problems. Programs such as providing additional food to pregnant women are examples of steps that can be taken to overcome this problem.
Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo: Learn To Love From Kids With Down Syndrome
Children are a gift from God to both parents. Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo is well aware of this, therefore, whatever condition her child experiences, she accepts it as it is. She is very confident that God will not misplace the gift. From children with Down syndrome, you can learn a lot to love others.
From Sara's marriage to Harwendro Aditya, they were blessed with three children; Narendra, Wira, and Janissa. For Sara, each child has advantages over the others. And she always gives the same attention to her three children. "In our faith, my husband and I believe that this child is a gift from God. And we believe that every creature created by God is created perfectly regardless of its physical and mental condition," said the woman born in Jakarta, January 27 1986.
The first and third children are in normal condition. However, her second son was born with Down syndrome. When she first received this news from the doctor, she was sad. But slowly she was able to accept this situation. “So when we got the news, the only thing that crossed my mind apart from what was ahead was whether the world was ready for him. We as parents are certainly very ready," he admitted.
She also believes that God had a purpose in placing Wira in her family. "In the faith that we believe in, God will not make a mistake in choice, God will not make a mistake in placing my child in my family, that has very specific aims and objectives," said the woman whose full name is Rahayu Saraswati Dhirakanya Djojohadikusumo.
Wira Means Knight
Since finding out that Wira has special needs, Sara and her husband have strengthened their hearts to fight to accompany his growth and development. “From the start, we will continue to fight as long as he is willing to fight. That's why we named him Wira, meaning knight. Since he was in the womb, he has been fighting, his heartbeat is fast," said Sara, who has starred in a number of films such as Sarah Garuda, Hati Merdeka and Gunung Emas Almeyer.
Sara and her husband have been in and out of the hospital. And from that experience she testified that Wira was a fighter. “Thank God, he is a fighter type child. Indeed, children who have Down syndrome have intellectual or mental limitations, this does not mean that they are less human. They have the advantage that they don't have the ability to hate," she said.
In this context, continued Sara, normal people can learn. If this could be imitated, there would be no war and hostility between humans. “We should learn from them in the capacity to love others. They don't know how to hate. There may be annoyance, but that's all," continued the woman who also hosts the Talk Indonesia and Hot Indonesia programs on MetroTV.
And when you meet Wira, the atmosphere will always be happy. "Because he can't hate, he will spread the virus of happiness to everyone he meets," she said. Another thing, Sara said, is that when she communicates with other people, she understands. “Yes, of course he understands in his own way. And as for Wira, I'm sure he's smart in his way. Because he understands Indonesian and English. It's just that he's nonverbal. That's what people who meet children like this must understand," she said.
Supportive Environtment
One thing that Sara is grateful for is that the safe family environment supports Wira's growth and development. “I am very grateful that one of the things that makes things easier for me and my husband is because the support system is conducive. We can raise Wira with support from the extended family and also from people we trust, such as banysitter and the driver. My drivers, if Wira is sick, they will be sad," she said.
For Sara, the difficulty of communicating with Wira was not a big challenge. “Yes, we have to continue to learn how to communicate with him who is nonverbal. And it's a normal thing, so it's not a big challenge. Communicating with normal children is sometimes not easy. The challenge is more about how we as parents can provide him with what he needs," she said.
One thing Sara did was to be open with her child's condition so that the environment could understand. “The environment doesn't understand because they don't know. That's why I always open up and expose Wira's condition. I think it's better to be exposed now. Sometimes we are afraid of things we don't know, which in the end turns us away, hostile and misguided," she stressed.
According to Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo, the presence of children with special needs is a test from God to human. “As a human being, we are actually being tested by God, how we treat them which is actually they are angels sent by God to the world. Can we pass this test?” she said, closing the conversation.
"I trust the cabinet to Mr. Prabowo, because we already trust him since the beginning of his leadership. He understands the condition of Indonesia more than us, the normal cadre. Of course, we hope there should be representation of woman in cabinet, and the representation of young generation as well. But what is more important, according to me, is capacity and capability. Those who have capacity and able to work. Regardless the gender, whether they are young, or they are old, to me it doesn't matter.,"
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
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