The Solo-Hambalang Axis Relationship Enters a New Phase Following Gibran's Resignation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The resignation of Gibran Rakabuming Raka from his position as Vice President is seen as a catalyst for change in the practical political relations between the Solo and Hambalang factions. What does this mean?

President Prabowo Subianto and the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), have allied in the 2024 presidential election, moving from partnership to collaboration, and are now perceived to be entering a new phase in their political relationship.

"The Hambalang-Solo alliance formed during the 2024 presidential election is now entering a new chapter," said political communication analyst Jamiluddin Ritonga from Esa Unggul University to Kompas.com on Thursday (12/11/2026).

Jokowi has made efforts to emphasize that his son's decision will not disrupt relations with Prabowo's government.

He characterized the political dynamics as typical and reminded that positions are temporary.

"There will definitely be political dynamics; that’s normal, that’s normal," said Jokowi at his residence in Surakarta, Central Java, on Thursday (12/11/2026).

Observing his eldest son’s resignation from the vice presidency, Jokowi reminded the public that such positions are temporary while expressing support for Prabowo's government programs.

This statement arises amidst shifting political landscapes within Jokowi's circle.

Before Gibran submitted his resignation to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) yesterday, three founders of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI)—Giring Ganesha, Raja Juli Antoni, and Isyana Bagoes Oka—had already decided to leave the party.

The day prior, Projo General Secretary Panel Barus also announced his departure from the volunteer organization traditionally aligned with Jokowi.

Additionally, Gibran faced pressure regarding controversies surrounding educational documents that were under legal scrutiny and related to the freedom of speech (HMP) issue in the DPR.

These events have made the political relationship between the Hambalang faction, associated with Prabowo, and the Solo faction, identified with Jokowi, come under scrutiny again.

Will Gibran's resignation create more distance between the two factions, or could it serve as a moment to reconfigure their political relations ahead of the 2029 elections?

Jokowi's Political Access to Prabowo Post-Gibran's Resignation

Gibran's resignation is believed to have broader implications beyond merely a change in government positions.

The loss of the Vice Presidency could alter Jokowi's political access and influence within Prabowo's administration.

Jamiluddin Ritonga notes that Gibran's position as Vice President has been an essential direct link between Jokowi and the executive power center.

With Gibran part of the government circle, Jokowi retained political access through his son.

However, after Gibran's resignation, such structural access is no longer available.

"Gibran's official resignation on Thursday, November 12, 2026, directly shifts the balance of power toward a complete dominance of the Prabowo Subianto (Hambalang) camp and cuts off Joko Widodo's (Solo) direct access to the center of government," said Jamiluddin.

Dokumentasi pribadi Jamiluddin Ritonga Political communication analyst from Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga. (Personal documentation of Jamiluddin Ritonga)

He argues that this situation tests Jokowi's political influence.

Since Gibran no longer holds a strategic position, the Jokowi family lacks an instrument to maintain its influence in the power center.

Furthermore, Gibran now faces political pressure without direct support from major political parties in the parliament.

This scenario leaves the Jokowi family's political strength increasingly reliant on public sympathy and the ability to consolidate political networks outside the government.

The PSI serves as a potential vehicle for Jokowi to maintain his influence.