Anies Met Gibran In Solo Considered Only A Basa-Basi Political Full Of Gimmick

Anies Baswedan and Gibran Rakabuming Raka (Twitter @aniesbaswedan)

JAKARTA - Political analyst Karyono Wibowo assessed that the meeting between Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Anies Baswedan in Solo was only a political base.

"Just political pleasantries. The meeting was just a political gimmick," Karyono told VOI, Wednesday, November 16.

The assessment was due to no political discussion at the meeting. According to Karyono, the meeting was just Anies' trick to always become a media conversation by implementing President Joko Widodo's eldest son who is still serving as regional leader.

"There are no substance discussed, no political commitment. The meeting was merely forming public opinion, so that Anies would remain a topic of discussion in the media," he said. Karyono said Anies' main agenda actually participated in the Haul Habib Ali bin Muhammad Al-Habsyi event at the Ar Riyadh Mosque, Kliwon Market, Solo. Therefore, according to Karyoto, meeting with Gibran was not Anies' priority.

"Anies met Gibran in the term Javan only 'nyewuun sewu', meaning permissible because Gibran is the mayor of Solo," he said.

In fact, according to Karyono, what needs to be observed is not the meeting of the former Governor of DKI Jakarta with Gibran. However, Anies' presence at the Haul Habib Ali bin Muhammad Al-Habsyi event brought a political mission for political purposes in 2024. Anies, he continued, wanted to take the voter niche in Solo which is the basis for nationalists and bull cages in Central Java. "However, it is not easy for Anies to'submit' Solo. Therefore, Anies tried to use the 'eating hot porridge' theory. He started by approaching the Islamic base in Surakarta and its surroundings which could potentially be mobilized first, then spread to others," explained the Executive Director of the Indonesian Public Institute (IPI).

With Anies' presence at the Haul Habib Ali bin Muhammad Al-Habsyi event, added Karyono, being an indicator that the former Minister of Education and Culture will use identity politics as a support-raising strategy. "But, in my opinion, Anies has tried to shift his personal branding by repositioning his image to be perceived as a nationalist and moderate figure. But it seems that he is still facing a dilemma because his condition is in a dilemma," said Karyoto.