Why Gibran Invited Students to Monitor Nutrition Programs and Cooperatives

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has embarked on a working visit to eastern Indonesia, accompanied by five university students. The group is set to observe the implementation of two key government initiatives: the free nutritious meal program and the Village Red and White Cooperatives.

The students, selected from various universities across the country, are Kaletus Sakaro (Sanata Dharma University), Daffa Ulhaq (University of Indonesia), Nolan Christoper Adam (Pelita Harapan University), Rapid Bena Matin (Jenderal Soedirman University), and Salsabila Maulida (Indonesian Institute of Arts and Culture Bandung). Their participation is intended to provide direct oversight and ensure transparency in the execution of these priority programs.

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These steps are important to maintain public trust.

However, the Vice President's initiative has drawn scrutiny from political observers. Dedi Kurnia Syah, Executive Director of Indonesia Political Opinion, views the move as a strategic political maneuver. He suggests that Gibran aims to resonate with current student movements and portray the government as responsive to their demands. Despite these efforts, Syah questions the substantive impact of involving students on policy quality, characterizing it as a mere "gimmick."

In response, Gibran stated that involving students strengthens oversight of the programs and addresses aspirations raised by student groups. He emphasized that their direct participation ensures the programs are implemented transparently, accountably, and effectively, fostering collaboration between the government and the younger generation. "These steps are important to maintain public trust," Gibran said.

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The political style of Gibran follows Jokowi's path, where such populism is used as a shield to defend against public criticism.