Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto Announces Presidential Bid with Son of Incumbent President as Running Mate

Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's Defence Minister and presidential candidate, leverages popularity of incumbent President Joko Widodo's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, in a possibly controversial partnership that introduces family-based politics into the nation's democracy.

Prabowo Subianto, a three-time presidential hopeful and incumbent Defence Minister, has chosen Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of sitting President, Joko Widodo as his running mate, aiming to exploit Widodo’s popularity and Raka's appeal to young voters.
The partnership came after a controversial amendment allowing candidates younger than 40 specifically enabling Raka, a 36-year-old Mayor of Solo city, to run. The move has been criticized as potentially damaging to Indonesia’s democracy and establishing family-based politics.
According to an opinion poll by Lembaga Survei Indonesia, Subianto and Raka are leading with a 35.9% popularity rating against their contenders, leveraging Subianto's ties to popular outgoing President Jokowi, who is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.
Analysts believe that despite controversies, this alliance could increase Jokowi's sway in future Indonesian governance and safeguard his political legacy. However, there is concern about the emergence of a new political dynasty, pointing to positions held by other family members.
Dangerous power dynamics are warned as significant factors for corruption, with the current political drama around the constitutional amendment and Subianto's decision to pick Jokowi's son, triggering fears about the effects on Indonesia’s democratic outlook.