Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Controversies

Gibran Rakabuming Raka is positioned as a central figure in several significant political controversies in Indonesia, most notably those surrounding his eligibility and conduct during the 2024 election cycle. A major source of contention stemmed from the Constitutional Court ruling that enabled him to run as vice-presidential candidate despite being under the minimum age requirement, an event that critics widely perceived as evidence of nepotism due to his familial connection to the outgoing president. This issue was further complicated by the subsequent dismissal of the Chief Justice of that court. In addition to the dynastic concerns, his performance in debates drew significant negative attention, with reports citing his use of degrading language, apparent rule violations like leaving his podium, and employing foreign terms without explanation as actions that sparked controversy.

These controversies have generated extensive coverage in both mainstream media and on social platforms, where public sentiment is often polarized, with analyses showing negative news and hate speech significantly affecting public perception of his candidacy. While the General Elections Commission faced scrutiny over policies regarding the disclosure of candidate documents like diplomas, which reignited questions about his academic credentials, he has continued to be politically active. His association with his running mate has also been debated, with some observers suggesting that while he successfully attracted certain voter blocs, his inclusion also caused some of his running mate's traditional supporters to defect to other candidates. He has reportedly apologized for some of his conduct in debates.