In politics, the ability to adapt quickly to social changes, technology and societal needs is critical. As someone active in business, this adaptability may be one of Gibran’s strengths.
Prabowo chose Gibran as his running mate not only based on his image as the representation of the youth but also his mayoral performance, his courage in taking business risks and his advocacy of progressive ideas.
Gibran exudes the image of a young leader who courageously rises up to the challenge. As part of the young generation brimming with fresh ideas, Gibran is seen as a dynamic leader, fearless innovator and keen collaborator. He understands how democracy works in a digital age. He is the right figure that the society needs today.
Young figures like Gibran are believed to represent inclusiveness. They are deemed more open to diverse views, values and experience. Young leaders like Gibran will better understand the issues that matter to young people, such as education, employment, climate change and technological innovation, leading to more relevant policymaking in response to society’s actual needs.
Young figures like Gibran have a better understanding of technology and innovation, and embrace a spirit of collaboration that welcomes community involvement in every policy formulation during his mayoral tenure.
On this ground, it is believed that Gibran will apply the same approaches in every policy he is going to craft, going forward as the vice president. To translate ideas into policies, it takes courage to break down pre-existing barriers.
Gibran has this courage, because young leaders like him are considered to be more informed, critical and outspoken. This is the kind of leadership style he has shown in Solo.
Key moments that lead to victory
Based on my observations, since the official nomination of the candidate pair stage, there have been several crucial moments that led to Prabowo-Gibran’s high electability. The first moment, and in my opinion the most interesting one, was the second presidential debate. Gibran, who was said to be afraid of debates and was mocked with the nickname ‘Samsul’ (sulfuric acid) appeared so dominant that Prof. Mahfud MD was even rendered speechless.
It was a moment of truth that awakened many parties. Just like his father, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Gibran is a quality leader. He doesn’t say much, but works hard and proved that he could win political debates, the arena for young people.
The second moment was the third debate, when Prabowo was harshly attacked by Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo. Instead of reducing his public support, the onslaught actually handed him overflowing public sympathy. Various parties were moved and saddened to see Prabowo treated like that. Anies, who was helped by Prabowo when he ran for Jakarta gubernatorial election in 2017, actually vilified the very figure who made him Governor.
Realizing that the attack actually created a backlash, in the fifth debate Anies and Ganjar looked much calmer. I think both of them were aware that attacking Prabowo personally would only reduce their own electability.
The third moment was when Mahfud MD made a controversial statement which was deemed insulting to mothers and women on January 25. “Allowing mothers and women to give birth to children who have no morality is a big sin for this nation. This nation will be destroyed if the future generation has no ethics and no morals,” he chided.