He also underwent a medical test by the General Election Commission (KPU) in October 2023 before he could officially qualify as a presidential candidate. The medical report declared him fit to run for the election.
Dr Cecep Hidayat, a political observer from the University of Indonesia, said the test was to ascertain whether the presidential and vice-presidential candidates were physically and mentally fit.
“This is one of the requirements that must be fulfilled before being declared qualified to participate in the election. All six candidates passed the test,” Dr Cecep told CNA, referring to the three pairs of presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the 2024 election.
FITTER FOR THE TOP JOB AFTER SURGERY?
After Mr Prabowo is sworn in as president in October, his health will continue to be monitored by the presidential medical team, added Dr Cecep.
Should he be unable to discharge his duties, the Indonesian constitution states that the vice-president will take over, said Dr Cecep.
If this happens, Mr Gibran will have the discretion to appoint his father as a key advisor, Mr Dedi Dinarto, lead Indonesia analyst at strategic advisory firm Global Counsel, told the South China Morning Post.
“If Gibran becomes president, Joko Widodo will likely serve as a key adviser to his administration, taking on whatever role his eldest son assigns to him,” Mr Dedi said.
BRIN’s Mr Wasisto said it would depend on Mr Widodo’s political moves after he steps down as president.
“But, at least indirectly, Jokowi’s influence on Gibran certainly exists because of the relationship between father and son,” Mr Wasisto said, using Mr Widodo’s moniker.
Dr Ujang Komarudin, a political expert from the University of Al Azhar Indonesia, believes Mr Prabowo’s decision to undergo surgery will put him in a better position to do his job, and called on the public not to engage in negative speculation.
“Going for surgery is a natural thing as everyone must be sick (at some point) and no one has never been sick,” Dr Ujang told CNA.
