Gibran Oh Gibran, When Time No Longer Stands By

The eldest son was perceived to be entering the 2024 political arena without the necessary experience, maturity, and leadership skills.

Two years after winning the 2024 presidential election, Gibran Rakabuming Raka stumbled. In early October 2026, the MK declared it found no convincing evidence showing Gibran possessed diplomas or certificates from abroad that could be used as a basis for being equated with at least a high school education.

The decision of the Supreme Court at the end of October 2026 further complicated Gibran's situation. Rulings from the two highest courts deemed Gibran "no longer meets the requirements to be vice president." Thus, grounds for impeachment against Gibran were only a matter of time.

Gibran could not afford to buy time due to the unfavorable political situation following the discovery of illegal wiretapping against President Prabowo by General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and colleagues. Like a house of cards, Gibran's defenses slowly weakened and eventually collapsed.

Listyo is the former National Police Chief who was appointed by Jokowi in 2021. When the illegal wiretapping scandal came to light, Gibran's political position—as Jokowi's extension—was increasingly impacted. The alliance with Prabowo drastically changed—if it did not end altogether.

In the poem "Night Watch Soldier", Chairil Anwar wrote the following stanza: "Time goes on. I do not know what fate time holds?"

When accepting Prabowo's offer in 2023, Gibran and Jokowi may not have foreseen what would transpire in 2026.

Chairil was right. Time moves forward, and no politician can control destiny.