Prabowo Should Consider a Vice President Who Can Strengthen Indonesia’s Economy, Learning from SBY’s Experience

PARLEMENTARIA, Jakarta - Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mardani Ali Sera, hopes President Prabowo Subianto will seek a Vice President who can strengthen Indonesia’s economy. This follows Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s resignation from the vice presidency.

“We hope the next Vice President will be able to work with the President to lead the nation,” Mardani Ali Sera said in a written statement received by Parlementaria in Jakarta on Friday (13/11/2026).

As is known, Gibran resigned following controversy over his high school diploma certificate, which the Supreme Court (MA) declared invalid. This afternoon, President Prabowo Subianto is meeting with senior political party (Parpol) officials at the Bogor Presidential Palace to discuss filling the vice presidency after Gibran’s resignation.

Various parties have offered their views on the ideal candidate to serve as Vice President alongside President Prabowo. Mardani also has a view on the matter.

“President Prabowo should seek a Vice President with the ability to safeguard and strengthen Indonesia’s economy. I believe this is important given global dynamics, which are also putting pressure on the domestic economy,” said the PKS faction politician.

Mardani also cited Indonesia’s sixth president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), who chose Boediono, a professor and accomplished economist, as his Vice President for his second term. Indonesia’s economic growth even exceeded 6 percent during the SBY-Boediono administration.

“During Mr. SBY’s second term, Indonesia’s economy grew by 6.22 percent. In 2011, economic growth was quite high, reaching 6.49 percent. This was when Mr. SBY was accompanied by Prof. Boediono, a professional and a figure trusted by the markets,” Mardani said.

According to Mardani, the president’s deputy must have strengths in the economic sector.

“The road ahead will not be easy; the government must provide the best service and deliver the highest quality. To that end, Indonesia’s economy must remain stable to ensure the people’s welfare,” said the legislator from East Jakarta.

Regarding the vacancy in the vice presidency, Mardani said it should be accompanied by orderly adjustments to government administration.

“Attention should be focused on continuity of work, clarity over who is responsible, and ensuring that all information needed to carry forward the government’s agenda is available,” Mardani said.

Mardani, a member of the House commission overseeing the government system, also urged the Ministry of State Secretariat and relevant agencies to map the work that had previously involved coordination with the Vice President. According to Mardani, the mapping should clarify ongoing agendas, decisions requiring follow-up, and how they should be handled in line with the President’s directives and applicable regulations.

"The Government’s work involves a series of processes that must be maintained. Every ongoing agenda must have a clearly designated person in charge, so follow-up can proceed without creating uncertainty for the implementing agencies,” the PKS politician said.

Mardani added that these adjustments should be accompanied by records of work progress and proper document management.

“Information about commitments, coordination outcomes, and unresolved issues is an important basis for continued implementation,” Mardani explained.

Mardani also cautioned that ministries and regional governments should be given an explanation if coordination channels change.

“Notifications should specify the work affected so that those carrying it out know whom to contact and which decisions to follow,” said the legislator from DKI Jakarta I electoral district.

Mardani said administrative clarity helps the Government maintain consistency in implementation. “Agencies need to know whom to report progress to, how obstacles will be resolved, and which directives remain in force,” Mardani concluded. (pun/rdn)