The General’s long journey to victory
Judging from the quick count results and Prabowo-Gibran’s high electability, I believe there will be many accusations of vote rigging. Massive efforts to frame public opinion even took place long before the polls opened on February 14. The results were framed as an indication of political machination through the secret mobilization of state officials, monopoly of election logistics, a president who takes sides and more. These negative assumptions cannot be prevented, but they are certainly unwise.
During my trip from Jakarta to Lombok a few days ago, I read a very interesting book titled “The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness”. Many people read this book for financial advice, but I read it as a history lesson, or more precisely, how to read history more wisely. Author Morgan Housel clearly states that big phenomena are the explosion of various accumulations of small phenomena.
For me, Prabowo-Gibran’s single-round victory is a culmination of a long journey, a unwavering dedication and unyielding spirit. Therefore, it is important that I also discuss Prabowo Subianto’s political journey. Prabowo’s endeavor to become president of the Republic of Indonesia began in 2004, when he took part in Golkar’s presidential convention. But the party nominated Wiranto as its presidential candidate. Even though he lost, Prabowo’s position at that time was not bad, because he was in the top five alongside other famous figures such as Akbar Tandjung, Aburizal Bakrie and Surya Paloh.
Long story short, Prabowo finally founded the Gerindra Party in 2008 as his political vehicle, to contest presidential elections. Ever since, he has never been absent from presidential elections. It is a fact that there is no other figure in Indonesia since the Reformasi era who has run for more than three times (first for vice president) other from Prabowo Subianto.
Lula da Silva
The journey of Lula da Silva to become the president of Brazil since 1989, finally winning on the fourth attempt, mirrors Prabowo’s 2024 victory. Lula’s failures in 1989, 1994 and 1998 did not deter him. He was finally elected in 2003, and served for two terms, until 2010. His destiny to become president appeared to have been written. After he was imprisoned in April 2018 and released in November 2019, he made a comeback three years later, and was elected president for the third time in October 2022, after narrowly beating right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula was inaugurated on January 1, 2023 at the age of 77, which made him the oldest president of Brazil to date. Despite the corruption case, Lula remains a beloved leftist figure, thanks to his social policies. His success in growing the economy of Brazil became one of the defining achievements of his presidency. Former US president Barack Obama even dubbed him “the most popular politician on earth”.
Likewise, Prabowo Subianto is also perhaps “the most popular politician in Indonesia” at the moment. How could he not be! Every five years his face is plastered all over the country. Now he is the chair of Gerindra, as well as Defense Minister in Jokowi’s Indonesia Onward Cabinet.
Contesting the presidential election three times certainly gives Prabowo valuable capital, one being high popularity and electability. He is well known across the country. In addition, he checks all the boxes to become President, from having a large loyal voter base, immense financial and logistical support, extensive business and political networks, and most importantly, endorsement from President Jokowi.
There was also the prediction from former president Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid that Prabowo would become a president in his senior year. Prabowo was born on October 17, 1951, which means that he is now 73 years old. As a charismatic Islamic religious leader, Gus Dus’ prediction turned out to be eerily prescient, as well as Jokowi’s remarks that 2024 would be Prabowo’s turn.
Gibran the political “dynamite”
To describe Gibran Rakabuming Raka, I suddenly remembered a quote from German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “I am dynamite”. The youthful mayor of Solo stunned, astonished and amazed many of his critics.
First, I want to discuss the psychology of this young man. His detractors may have never imagined what it would be like to be in his position. Imagine, at the tender age of 36, he was running as vice presidential candidate with the consequence of being criticized by millions of people. At a time when most young people of his age might still be confused and hesitant about taking risks, Gibran bravely stepped forward to compete at the highest stage of politics.
Seen as the representation of today’s youth, Gibran can accommodate the aspirations and interests of the younger generation. As a young entrepreneur, he brings an innovative perspective and entrepreneurial ideas that can be an asset in formulating policies that heed the needs of young people with regard to employment, business opportunities and economic development.