Golkar on Replacement Vice Presidential Candidate for Gibran: We Haven't Finished Contemplating

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Golkar Party has yet to take a stance regarding the replacement for vice presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who has stepped down from his position.

The Secretary General of the Golkar Party, Sarmuji, stated that the party still needs time to consider whom to propose to President Prabowo Subianto.

"Oh, we'll see. We aren't done contemplating yet," Sarmuji remarked when met at the Golkar Party DPP office in Slipi, Jakarta, on Saturday evening (14/11/2026).

Sarmuji also admitted that he does not know which names are in the running to replace Gibran.

This is despite his attendance at a meeting held by Prabowo with various political party leaders and several cabinet ministers at the Bogor Palace.

"I was present at the meeting, but I have no idea who the candidates are. Truly, I have no idea," he said.

During the meeting, Prabowo reportedly gave the party leaders about a week to consider who they would suggest as Gibran's replacement.

"Because the President has given time, around a week for the party leaders to contemplate who they will propose to the President," he explained.

Nevertheless, Sarmuji has not confirmed whether Golkar will suggest a name from within the party or support a candidate from another political party.

When asked if Gibran's replacement must come from one of the supporting political parties of Prabowo-Gibran, Sarmuji again refrained from giving a definitive answer.

The same goes for inquiries regarding an internal Golkar meeting to discuss potential candidates.

"It will depend on the outcome of our contemplation," Sarmuji stated.

Previously reported, Prabowo announced he will seek a replacement for Gibran after completing his overseas work commitments.

Prabowo is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines from November 15-17, 2026.

Following that, he will continue traveling to Shenzhen, China, for the APEC Summit on November 18-19, 2026.

"From Manila, I will go to China, Shenzhen. From there, I need to search for a Vice President replacement," Prabowo said at the opening of the Muhammadiyah 114th anniversary in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Saturday.

Gibran has submitted his resignation letter from the Vice President position to the leadership of the MPR RI on Thursday (12/11/2026).

The MPR has a maximum of 60 days to select a replacement vice president. Meanwhile, the President must propose two candidates for vice president after receiving a request letter from the MPR, no later than 14 days following the resignation.