Jakarta. Despite the notable age difference compared to other vice-presidential candidates, Gibran Rakabuming Raka is ready to engage in the vice-presidential debate scheduled for Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. 

The 36-year-old mayor of Solo, Central Java will be facing seasoned politicians Muhaimin Iskandar who is 57, and Mohammad Mahfud MD at 66 years old. Muhaimin is the leader of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and Anies Baswedan's running mate, meanwhile, Mahfud is the current Chief Security Minister and the ticket mate of Ganjar Pranowo.

The vice presidential debate will be broadcast live on BTV starting at 16:15. The second round of debate during the 2024 Presidential Election will address topics related to the economy (people's economy and digital economy), finance, investment, tax, trade, management of the state and regional budgets, infrastructure, and urban development.

"Indonesia needs programs that respond to the issues faced by society. Gibran will convey economic challenges and opportunities during the debate," said Emil Dardak, Gibran's spokesperson, on Wednesday.
 
Emil said Prabowo Subianto's running mate has good insights and analytical abilities to analyze various aspects, from the economy to the latest technology.

"He has a strong mentality, forged through various efforts made during his involvement in various fields. He possesses a good analytical ability to examine various matters, especially those related to the economy," the Deputy Governor of East Java said.

Even though Gibran has not completed three years in his role as the Mayor of Solo since January 2021, he has achieved success by prioritizing economic recovery and addressing health issues.

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Solo's economy grew by 6.25% in 2022, compared to 4.01 percent in 2021. 

In addition, Gibran also succeeded in reducing poverty in Solo. In 2021, the poverty rate reached 48,790 people, or 9.40 percent of Solo's population. This poverty rate decreased by 2,850 people in 2022.

Gibran successfully revitalized traditional markets and the central trading location in Solo. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were provided with good and strategic stands, attracting many buyers.

The revitalization of Pasar Ngarsopuro and Gatot Subroto Corridor has become a center for the creative industry by connecting Ngarsopuro Night Market and Gatot Subroto Street. Gibran also built Shelter Manahan, a food court built in the Manahan Stadium area, allowing MSMEs to sell their products.

When first elected as the Mayor of Solo, Gibran and his team immediately revitalized traditional markets, one of which was Pasar Legi. This made traditional markets clean, tidy, and hygienic, creating a comfortable environment for consumers to come to traditional markets.

Regarding tourism, Gibran accommodated artists in Solo to express their work --for example, puppet artists who now often perform at Taman Sriwedari. Artists also receive payment from the Solo City Government, and the revitalization of Lokananta, Indonesia's first recording studio that will become a center for artists, musicians, and MSMEs.

Finally, to attract local and international tourists, Gibran improved transportation infrastructure such as the outer ring road and streamlined the Trans Solo Bus (BTS) system, as well as feeder transportation connecting the train station and Adi Soemarmo Airport.