INDOPOSCO.ID – The departure of Indonesia’s Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to Johannesburg, South Africa, to represent President Prabowo Subianto at the G20 Summit on November 22–23, 2025, has once again sparked new dynamics in national politics.
Behind this international agenda, various interpretations have emerged regarding the leadership message the Palace intends to convey.
Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio views the assignment as more than just a protocol-based placement.
According to him, the decision carries strategic value directed personally by President Prabowo.
“Prabowo seems to be giving Gibran an opportunity to prove his capabilities as vice president, which the public has questioned until now,” said Hensa Hendri Satrio’s nickname via phone on Sunday (November 23, 2025).
He believes the move aims to show that the president–vice president pair is maintaining solid teamwork in running a government still in its first year.
“This assignment also appears to be Prabowo’s effort to enhance the image of a cohesive administration,” he added.
Beyond that, Hensa interprets Gibran’s deployment to the global economic forum as an attempt to counter the perception that the vice president only attends ceremonial functions.
“Prabowo may also want Gibran to get equally busy handling Indonesia’s affairs. The public has often questioned what Gibran actually does aside from ceremonial events,” Hensa remarked.
Nevertheless, he understands why this decision still raises questions among some members of the public. Comparisons between Prabowo’s experience and leadership character and that of Gibran are unavoidable in political discussions.
“It’s understandable for the public to ask why Gibran was sent to South Africa, because people have long perceived a gap in quality between Prabowo and Gibran in leading the government,” he added.
Amid this spotlight, Gibran’s presence on the global stage could become a moment of proofan important diplomatic test that may determine whether public doubts will be answered or grow even deeper. (her)
