Playing The Role Of The Interest Bridge, Gibran Is Believed Not To Be Prabowo's Serep Tire

Photo caption: Gibran Rakabuming Raka is believed not to be Prabowo Subianto's spare tire. (IG @prabowo)

JAKARTA A political observer from the Political Strategy Group, Arief Budiman, believes that Gibran Rakabuming Raka will not be just a spare tire from Prabowo Subianto during the next five years of government.

According to him, Gibran's position, which has been outside the vortex of political parties, could benefit Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) eldest son. Because with that position, Gibran can act as a bridge of interest between political parties supporting his government other than Gerindra. Thus, Gibran can also prioritize broader practical political issues through these political parties.

"Gibran will always look sexy in the eyes of political parties as an alternative figure to be carried in the 2029 presidential election if in time they do not have a candidate from within," said Arief, Sunday, October 20, 2024.

However, to maximize the role of vice president, Gibran must also open up space for public policy stakeholders from various sectors to convey aspirations, views, and even criticism of the process of forming public policies or laws and regulations at the national level. Thus, Gibran can leave the impression as a bridge or catalyst for collaborative government which during the 10 years of Jokowi's administration is often considered not to work.

In addition, Arief's belief that Gibran is not just a spare tire is based on the fact that the former Mayor of Surakarta on Prabowo's side is a symbolic force to provide political space for the younger generation.

"In the constitutional space, Gibran will play the vice president in a very limited space and even nil in terms of authority to make policies, but quite broadly political steps," he added.

He predicts that Gibran's steps in the future are very likely to be large in the political line. Moreover, from his attitude since being elected, he will not take a position like Ma'ruf Amin, who is more likely to be sidelined in political matters.

Gibran will continue to try to become a central political figure through a symbolic game that has been his main strength. Especially to raise his figure as a populist figure among young people, which is indeed his main strength," said Arief.