The controversy surrounding Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s vice presidential candidacy has intensified following the controversial coverage by the prominent foreign media, Al Jazeera. In a report published on Saturday, December 23, 2023, Al Jazeera labeled Gibran controversially as a ‘nepo baby’ or a nepotism baby.
Since the announcement of his candidacy in the previous October, Gibran Rakabuming Raka has been caught in a whirlwind of controversy that has sparked sharp public scrutiny. Al Jazeera notes that the negative perception of Gibran is fueled by the Indonesian public’s perception of his connection to nepotism and his lack of political experience. Although he has served as the mayor of Surakarta for two years, many doubt whether this experience is sufficient to support Gibran’s claim of eligibility as a vice presidential candidate. Al Jazeera highlights the comparison between Gibran and his competitors, such as Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar and Mahfud MD, who are considered to have broader political experience.
One aspect that caught Al Jazeera’s attention is the involvement of the Constitutional Court in Gibran’s candidacy. The Constitutional Court’s decision in October 2023 to relax the minimum age requirements for presidential and vice presidential candidates became a controversial point. Al Jazeera notes that at the time, the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Anwar Usman, was the brother-in-law of President Jokowi. Although Anwar Usman was later removed from his position after being found guilty by the ethics committee, the controversial decision still had a significant impact on public opinion towards Gibran.
In Al Jazeera’s analysis, Gibran is considered to emphasize style over substance in his campaign. Although recognized as a more polished figure compared to some of his competitors, Gibran is seen as relying more on a combination of slogans and facts without providing a strong exposition on policy substance. This criticism was raised by Ian Wilson, a lecturer in political and security studies at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia.
Al Jazeera also highlights Gibran’s difficulty in shedding the ‘nepo baby’ stigma. Despite his efforts to brand himself as a fresh-minded millennial, Gibran’s image is still closely tied to his father, Jokowi. According to Wilson, Gibran’s commitment to continuing Jokowi’s signature policies, such as the new capital city project, further strengthens the family ties. Thus, the controversy surrounding Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s vice presidential candidacy opens a new chapter in the Indonesian political debate.
Furthermore, Al Jazeera’s coverage also highlights the Indonesian public’s reaction to this controversy. Various groups in society, including activists and civil society organizations, have issued strong statements regarding Gibran’s candidacy. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of democracy and preventing nepotism in the political arena.
Moreover, several domestic political figures have also expressed their views on this issue. Some politicians emphasize that in choosing a leader, substance, and integrity should be the primary focus, not just popularity or family connections. Thus, the controversy surrounding Gibran Rakabuming Raka not only attracts international media attention but also sparks intense debates at the national level.
In response to the ‘nepo baby’ accusations, Gibran’s campaign team actively responds in an effort to change this controversial image. They organize various events and public meetings to provide Gibran with the opportunity to explain his vision and mission as a vice presidential candidate. These efforts are expected to dampen criticism and restore public trust in Gibran.
Thus, the controversy surrounding Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s candidacy not only reflects the current political dynamics in Indonesia but also illustrates the complexity of assessing the qualifications of a candidate leader. As the election campaign heats up, it will be interesting to see how Gibran and his team overcome these challenges and whether they can change public perception of him.
Reference: Media Terkemuka Aljazeera Melebeli Gibran Dengan Nepo Baby KhR5nzVHzd (seword.com)
