Wijayanti Putri, Solo – Vice-presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed his intention on Monday to meet in person with presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo and running mate Mohammad Mahfud MD to rebuild friendships with his "mentors" during this Ramadan.

Gibran and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto are the projected winners of the Feb. 14 presidential election, according to the ongoing tally by the General Election Commission (KPU) and quick counts by independent pollsters.

Gibran's candidacy sparked controversy after he left the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which nominated Ganjar, and shifted allegiance to Prabowo. The Constitutional Court amended the minimum age requirement of 40, paving the way for Gibran to contest the election.

Based on the court ruling, Gibran, who is 36 years old, became eligible because he is serving an elected public office as the mayor of Solo.

The son of President Joko Widodo signaled that he bears no grudges against political rivals and his former party now, especially as he looks set to become the country's youngest vice president.

"Ramadan is coming, and it's my hope that I'm given a chance to meet with the two gentlemen," Gibran said while accompanying his father during a visit to a shopping mall with family members in Solo.

"Both of them are my mentors, so I must take the initiative for the meeting."

Earlier this month, Gibran sent a message to Ganjar and Mahfud via their Instagram accounts, wishing them good health. "Thank you, Mayor. Send my regards to [your son] Ethes," Mahfud replied.

However, there has been no response from Ganjar's account.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/gibran-wants-to-meet-ganjar-and-mahfud-during-ramada