Jokowi's son talks AI, capital move in Indonesia's 2nd election debate

Gibran in spotlight as vice presidential nominees contrast economic platforms

20231222N indonesia VP debate Gibran Rakabuming REU

Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming speaks at an Indonesian vice presidential debate in Jakarta on Dec. 22. © Reuters

ERWIDA MAULIA, Nikkei staff writer

JAKARTA -- Gibran Rakabuming, son of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, spoke of building artificial intelligence prowess, continuing the planned move of the capital city, and making Indonesia a "king of green energy" in his election debate debut Friday.

Gibran faced off against two rival vice presidential nominees -- Mohammad Mahfud MD, coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, and National Awakening Party Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar -- in the nearly three-hour event that night. It was the second of five debates planned by Indonesia's General Elections Commission ahead of the Feb. 14 vote, with a spotlight on economic topics, and followed the first debate earlier this month featuring the three presidential candidates.

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