Heru Andriyanto, Jakarta – Gibran Rakabuming Raka appeared fully prepared for inquiries about his association as the son of the president during the debate for vice-presidential candidates in Jakarta on Friday evening.
He even took the issue in more literal words when rival Muhaimin Iskandar used an indirect way to question why Solo – a town in Central Java of which Gibran is the mayor – was entrusted with many key projects by the central government.
"I wish for Mr. Gibran to share his tips and tricks with other regents and mayors because there have been many huge projects coming to the city of Solo. How did you do this?" asked rival candidate Muhaimin Iskandar.
Gibran confronted the question head-on, saying, "I understand the intent behind your question."
He began his response by claiming that his predecessor had received larger funding from the state budget before his tenure. Furthermore, not all substantial projects in Solo relied on the central government's budget.
He specifically mentioned the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, inaugurated in November, which was entirely funded by the United Arab Emirates government to honor the stronger bilateral relations.
The mosque stands as a replica of the grand mosque in Abu Dhabi and, according to Gibran, has attracted religious tourism and boosted tourist arrivals in Solo, surpassing neighboring city Yogyakarta.
Some other projects were undertaken through regional budget allocations under close collaboration between the municipal and provincial governments.
"There is no favoritism. In fact, there were more projects in Solo before I assumed office," Gibran said.
He underscored that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's policies prioritize equitable economic development and prosperity, pointing out that 53 percent of investments were directed to provinces beyond Java.
"The economic development is spreading to many places, not just Solo," Gibran said.