Prabowo ‘Very Proud’ of Gibran after Debate Performance
Jakarta. Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto looked very pleased as he embraced his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka who just completed his debate performance in Jakarta on Friday evening.
He applauded Gibran's adept handling of economic issues and governance queries on the debate stage.
Gibran, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, retained his composure and well-informed responses in facing inquiries from seasoned political rivals Mohammad Mahfud and Muhaimin Iskandar on the debate stage.
"To be honest, I'm very proud of my running mate,” Prabowo told reporters at the debate venue in the Jakarta Convention Center.
On a scale from 0 to 10, Prabowo said he would rate Gibran’s performance at a near-perfect 9.9.
"That’s my objective opinion. Now people understand that we are serious contenders," Prabowo said.
Known for being reserved in speeches, Gibran surprised many with his composed delivery and fact-based explanations, drawing from his governing experience as the Mayor of Solo to articulate economic programs and counter criticisms from Mahfud, the current chief security minister, and Muhaimin, the chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB).
At times, Gibran invoked his father's quotes in defending substantial initiatives like the relocation of the national capital to East Kalimantan and the policy to ban raw mineral ore exports.
In addition to policy discussions, the 36-year-old presented populist programs, such as initiatives for free milk and lunch for children and tax exemptions for micro-businesses.
The VP candidates’ debate centered around economic and investment themes.
Tags: Keywords:
as a preferred
Related Articles
Prabowo Calls Meeting on Forest Fires as Haze Reaches Jakarta, Singapore
Prabowo summons senior officials to discuss forest fires as smoke reaches Jakarta and Malaysia pushes for regional action.
Books on Prabowo's Ideas Distributed Free at Jakarta Car-Free Day
Prabowo, who took office on Oct. 20, 2024, will mark the second anniversary of his presidency on Tuesday.
Two Years Into Prabowo Presidency, Infrastructure Takes Back Seat
Prabowo’s social spending push raises concerns over infrastructure delays and uneven growth beyond Java.
Prabowo, Egypt’s Sisi Talk Trade Pact for $5 Billion Commerce
Egypt's Sisi tells Prabowo that he wants to see annual trade to reach $5 billion by 2030 as Jakarta seeks tariff deals.
Egypt's Sisi Arrives in Indonesia for Talks With Prabowo
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi arrives in Indonesia for talks with Prabowo Subianto to strengthen strategic ties.
Gibran Remains Indonesia’s VP After Court Rejects Bid to Disqualify Him
VP Gibran defends his education credentials after Indonesia’s top court rejects a bid to disqualify him.
Prabowo to Launch Indonesia’s First Electric Vehicle Battery Export
Indonesia is set to export its first electric vehicle batteries as Prabowo launches a $10.2 billion industrial program.
Bahlil Signals More Ministries May Join New Downstream Coordination
Bahlil signals one or two more ministries could join the new downstream coordination, with the Industry Ministry among those considered.
Prabowo to Inaugurate Six New Military Commands on TNI Anniversary
Prabowo will inaugurate six new military commands and dozens of other units as Indonesia’s TNI marks its 81st anniversary.
Big Spending, Limited Revenue: Economists Question Prabowo’s Economic Strategy
Prabowo’s flagship programs face scrutiny as rising spending, weak job creation and deindustrialization threaten Indonesia’s growth.The Latest
Chandra Asri Group Receives Trade Finance Excellence Award, Reinforcing Its Role in Indonesia’s Industrial Development
Chandra Asri Group receives the Trade Finance Excellence Award at CIMB Niaga Business Summit 2026.
AEON MALL Deltamas Brings 11 Sports and Creative Competitions to AEONLYMPIC 2026
AEON MALL Deltamas hosts AEONLYMPIC 2026, featuring 11 sports and creative competitions, with more than 3,100 participants.
Indonesian Stocks Extend Losses for Third Day, Fall 3.64% to 4,996
Indonesian stocks fell 3.64% on Monday, extending losses for a third straight session amid MSCI concerns and tighter trading limits.
Prabowo Calls Meeting on Forest Fires as Haze Reaches Jakarta, Singapore
Prabowo summons senior officials to discuss forest fires as smoke reaches Jakarta and Malaysia pushes for regional action.
Jakarta Outranks Amsterdam in Global Public Transport Survey
Jakarta climbs two places to 15th in Time Out's 2026 public transport survey, with its governor citing better network integration.Most Popular
