Edy Mulyadi highlights talk that Gibran could be Prabowo’s opponent in 2029 presidential election

In the statement he delivered, Edy highlighted the statement of ABC Research & Consulting Director Erizal who said Gibran had more potential to become Prabowo’s rival than to be re-elected as a vice-presidential candidate.

“Many people may think that this is just premature political gossip. But politics often proves it: there is no smoke without fire,” Edy wrote in his statement on Thursday (21/5/2026).

He considered that this statement was not simple political support, but part of a strategy to maintain the continuity of the Jokowi family’s political influence until 2034.

“I read that Jokowi’s statement on ‘two terms’ was not just support. It was an attempt to lock in politics,” he said.

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Edy believes that this story contains a political message so that Prabowo does not replace Gibran as vice presidential candidate in the 2029 presidential election.

According to him, if Prabowo chooses another figure as his vice-presidential candidate, there could be potential political pressure from Jokowi’s volunteers, his loyalist base and the parties that support him.

“Now the political barrier is being installed,” he said.

He also believed that Gibran’s political moves from his candidacy for the vice presidency to his entry into government were part of a long-term conception of a political dynasty.

According to him, the position of vice president gives Gibran the space to build networks of power, both within the bureaucracy, political parties, the army and national and international affairs.

“If the duo survives, Gibran will become more mature. If the partnership breaks down, Gibran will already have his own national scene and his own political base,” Edy wrote.

For this reason, Edy reminded Prabowo to be careful in reading the political dynamics around him so that he does not simply become a bridge to consolidate the political power of the Jokowi family.

“The people chose Prabowo to lead Indonesia. Not to secure the Jokowi family’s energy project,” he stressed.

He also warned of the dangers if Indonesia’s democracy slowly turns into power that only revolves around certain family circles.

“If we are not careful, democracy can gradually transform into a modern kingdom. Elections still exist, but power only revolves around the same blood circle,” he concluded.