Prabowo Appoints Gibran as Acting President During Egypt Visit
Gibran Rakabuming to lead Indonesia While Prabowo Attends Egypt Summit
Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has tapped Vice President Gibran Rakabuming to handle day-to-day presidential duties during his trip to cairo, Egypt.
Prabowo is attending the Conference of Heads of State and Goverment of the developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation from December 17-19. The decision was formalized in Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 34 of 2024, signed on December 16.
The decree states that the temporary delegation of presidential powers is necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the government during prabowo’s absence.
“Therefore,to ensure the smooth running of government,it is deemed necessary to assign the Vice President to carry out the daily duties of the President during the visit,” the decree reads.While acting as president,Gibran is required to coordinate with and seek Prabowo’s approval for any urgent policy decisions.Upon Prabowo’s return, Gibran must provide a report on the execution of his duties.
“If during the assignment period, a new policy needs to be established immediately, the Vice President, as the acting President, must first consult and obtain the President’s approval,” the decree clarifies.
“After the President returns to the country, the assignment ends, and the Vice President immediately reports the execution of the task to the President,” it adds.
Simultaneously occurring, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto highlighted key discussion points at the D-8 summit.
“Firstly, D-8 countries will align their steps in facing the current global geopolitical situation, including the situation in Gaza,” Hartarto explained at halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base on Tuesday.”The spirit is that as developing countries, we have the same stance in supporting Palestine,” he added.
Secondly, the summit will focus on empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Indonesia plans to share its experience in digitalizing SMEs with other D-8 members.”The second point is about empowering SMEs and how SMEs in D-8 countries can collaborate,” Hartarto said.”This collaboration is what is being encouraged within D-8, including digitalization, which we will share with other D-8 countries.”
exclusively for NewsDirectory3:
Dr. Adi Wibowo, political analyst at the Jakarta-based center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses the implications of Vice President Gibran rakabuming Raka’s temporary assumption of presidential duties while President Prabowo attends the D-8 Summit.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Wibowo, President Prabowo has delegated presidential powers to Vice President Rakabuming during his trip to Egypt. What do you make of this decision?
dr. Wibowo: This decision underscores the importance of continuity in governance and demonstrates President Prabowo’s trust in Vice President Rakabuming’s capabilities. Delegating presidential powers,even temporarily,is a notable responsibility,and it highlights the Vice President’s growing experience and stature within the management.
NewsDirectory3: Does this signal a shift in power dynamics within the government, or is it simply a procedural formality?
Dr. Wibowo: It’s still too early to definitively say whether this signifies a broader power shift. It is commendable that the President is adhering to established protocols by formally delegating his powers. Though, the manner in wich Vice President Rakabuming exercises these powers while Prabowo is away will be closely watched for any indication of evolving dynamics within the government.
NewsDirectory3: The D-8 Summit is focusing on global geopolitical issues and economic cooperation for developing countries. How significant is Indonesia’s participation in this forum, particularly given the ongoing situation in Gaza?
Dr. Wibowo: Participation in the D-8 Summit is crucial for indonesia to strengthen its diplomatic ties with fellow developing nations and advocate for shared interests on the global stage. Given the complex geopolitical landscape,
with the situation in Gaza being a pressing concern, the D-8 Summit provides a platform for Indonesia to coordinate its response
with other member states and work towards a peaceful resolution.
NewsDirectory3: Professor Wibowo, thank you for sharing your insightful perspectives.
Dr. Wibowo: Your welcome. I believe these are significant developments that will continue to shape Indonesia’s domestic and foreign policy in the coming months.