PDI-P Confirms Prabowo's Request for Gibran as Running Mate

Jakarta. A senior member of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) confirmed on Saturday that presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto had previously approached Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the oldest son of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, to become his running mate.
Gibran, currently serving as the mayor of Solo in Central Java, informed the PDI-P about Prabowo's request.
"Gibran has discussed this matter with us in multiple dialogues," PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto told reporters during the party's national meeting held at the Jakarta International Expo.
However, Hasto refrained from commenting on the party's official stance regarding the potential partnership between Prabowo and Gibran for the upcoming presidential election.
While the PDI-P has nominated former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo for the presidency, no running mate has been designated as of yet.
Gibran won’t be able to meet the minimum age for a vice presidential candidate of 35 years old by the time the election is held on February 14.
Speculation surrounding Gibran's candidacy arose earlier this year when a group of politicians filed a motion with the Constitutional Court to lower the minimum age requirement.
Both Gibran and his father are members of the PDI-P and have secured their respective political positions with the party's support. However, in a recent development, Jokowi's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, joined the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and was swiftly appointed as its chairman.
The possibility of Gibran aligning with a rival coalition supporting Prabowo's presidential bid may indicate a distancing of the president's family from the PDI-P, which maintains a centralized leadership structure under Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Earlier in the day, Megawati's daughter, Puan Maharani, expressed her lack of surprise at Gibran being considered a potential vice presidential candidate.
"That young man has demonstrated accomplishments in Solo and deserves consideration as a potential candidate," she said. But Puan emphasized the importance of not differentiating between age, gender, and background, stressing that all citizens have an equal right to participate in elections.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Indonesia, China Eye Stronger Strategic Partnership at 75th Anniversary
President Prabowo met China’s envoy to discuss stronger ties as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.Underrated Indonesia-Australia Ties
There is vast potential at stake for two neighbours to deepen their undervalued partnership.Danantara to Explore Partnership with Australia's Future Fund
Australia's Anthony Albanese also promises to help Danantara join the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF).Australia’s Albanese Wants Indonesia in CPTPP and OECD
Australia currently assumes rotating chairmanship at the Trans-Pacific trading club CPTPP.Prabowo Urges Islamic Unity, Calls for Concrete Action on Palestine at PUIC Summit
Prabowo calls for Muslim unity and real action on Palestine at PUIC summit, as Indonesia urges Israel’s trial at the ICJ.Jokowi Eyes PSI Top Post, Jokes About Beating the Odds
Jokowi said he is still making political calculations regarding the possibility of leading the youth-oriented party.Australian PM Albanese to Meet President Prabowo for Key Bilateral Talks
Australian PM Albanese set to visit Indonesia for crucial talks with President Prabowo on trade, energy, and securityJokowi to Deniers: My Diploma Is Real -- Now Face the Law
Jokowi’s legal team appeared at police headquarters in Jakarta with the diploma, which was hand-delivered by his brother-in-law.'We Were Black and Blue': Megawati Concedes PDI-P’s Setbacks in 2024 Elections
In the February 2024 presidential race, PDI-P’s candidate Ganjar Pranowo placed last among three contenders.Jokowi: Media Has Crucial Role in Sustaining Public Morale
"With 10 years of experience leading the country, he remains a valuable voice of reason," Enggartiasto said of Jokowi.The Latest
No Pilot for 10 Minutes during Lufthansa Flight in 2024 Because of Fainting Incident, Report Says
The aircraft was able to continue flying in a stable manner thanks to the active autopilot.BYD Surges to 6th in Indonesia’s Auto Market with EV-Only Lineup
BYD officially launched its Indonesian operations in January 2024 and began consumer deliveries in June 2024.BTV’s Colossal Music Festival Semesta Berpesta Returns, Kicking Off in Palembang
Beyond the music, BTV Semesta Berpesta 2025 offered a wide array of activities for all ages.Police Thwart Tin Sand Smuggling Attempt to Malaysia
A stricter law adopted earlier this year carries penalties of up to five years in prison for the illegal extraction and trade of minerals.Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks End after Less Than 2 Hours With Deal to Swap POWs But No Ceasefire
A Ukrainian official said Russia introduced new, “unacceptable demands” to withdraw Ukrainian forces from huge swaths of territory.Most Popular
