How Indonesia's outgoing Jokowi steered his son Gibran to vice-presidency

JAKARTA — When Indonesian President Joko Widodo was first inaugurated in 2014, his eldest son had not wanted to be there.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka, then 27, had spent much of his life outside the limelight and "didn't agree with his father's decision to enter politics", said Andi Widjajanto, a former top adviser to Widodo. Gibran showed up only after his paternal grandmother twisted his arm.

On Oct 20, the once-reluctant princeling will be at another inauguration ceremony — this time as the vice-president of retired army general Prabowo Subianto, 72, who is succeeding Gibran's father as the leader of the nation of 280 million.

Reuters spoke to 15 people, including half a dozen senior government officials and political advisers who worked closely with Gibran, Prabowo and Widodo.

Six of them described how Widodo steered his introverted 37-year-old son into politics as part of an effort to maintain influence after leaving high office. Four also detailed how Prabowo began courting his former rival's son nine months before a court controversially adjusted the age of eligibility for office, allowing Gibran to run.

Many of the people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to media.

Spokespeople for the outgoing president, who is better known as Jokowi, as well as Gibran and Prabowo did not return requests for comment.

The vice-president has few statutory powers, so Gibran's influence will depend on his relationship with Prabowo.

Reuters could not determine what his responsibilities are likely to be, but five people close to the President-elect said positions focused on digitising the economy, overseeing the new capital or Prabowo's flagship food programme were being considered.

Gibran will be