The Vice President‘s Video: A Calculated Move?

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s recent video monologue has sparked debate,with some suggesting it’s a carefully crafted image-building exercise. Lili Romli, a Senior Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency’s Center for Political Research, posits that the public might perceive the monologue as mere imagery, particularly if his direct public speaking skills don’t match the polished narrative presented in the video.

As a vice president just waiting for the task of the president, because after all his position as a maid. But with the monologue video, it seems that the Vice President wants to perform and attract public attention

Lili romli, Senior Researcher

Monologue as a Double-Edged Sword

While the monologue format allows gibran to control his message and minimize missteps, its reception will determine its ultimate impact. A positive response, especially from younger demographics, could translate into valuable social and political capital. The video’s focus on the demographic bonus, a topic of important interest to millennials and Gen Z, suggests a targeted effort to connect with this crucial voting bloc. according to the latest census data, young voters (17-35 years old) now constitute over 40% of the Indonesian electorate, making their support vital for any political figure.

stealing the Spotlight?

Romli suggests that Gibran’s proactive approach, through the monologue, could be interpreted as an attempt to distinguish himself beyond the traditional role of a vice president. Historically, the vice presidency has often been seen as a supporting role, primarily executing the president’s agenda. Gibran’s initiative could signal a desire to play a more prominent and visible role in shaping national discourse.

Demographic Bonus: A Key Theme

In the video, Gibran addresses Indonesia’s demographic bonus, emphasizing the nation’s critical juncture amidst global challenges like trade wars, geopolitical tensions, and climate change. He stresses the need for Indonesia to be agile, adaptive, and continue its growth trajectory. This focus aligns with current government priorities aimed at harnessing the potential of Indonesia’s young population to drive economic growth and innovation.

Political Motives and Public Perception

Romli cautions that all actions and statements by public officials, especially those at the vice-presidential level, are inherently viewed through a political lens. She emphasizes the importance of careful interaction, as the public will scrutinize every word and deed for underlying motives. This highlights the delicate balance public figures must strike between projecting a desired image and maintaining authenticity in the eyes of the electorate.

Every political official, especially at the level of the vice president, every action and words tend to have or are politically patterned. Likewise the public tends to judge like that, there is a political motive, not in a vacuum

Lili Romli, Senior Researcher