Gibran Calls Jusuf Kalla His Senior, Mentor, and Idol

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has described Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) as his senior, mentor, and idol.

Gibran made this statement when asked about JK’s remark claiming that Joko Widodo (Jokowi) became the 7th President of Indonesia thanks to the senior politician from the Golkar Party.

“Yes, thank you for the question. Mr JK is my senior. Mr JK is also a mentor,” said Gibran during his working visit to Southwest Papua on Wednesday (22/4/2026).

Gibran noted that JK has extensive experience in resolving conflicts in regions.

In addition, Gibran regards JK as his idol and a figure to be emulated.

The former Mayor of Solo also greatly appreciates every input and suggestion from JK.

“So he is a role model for all of us and yes, I am very grateful for the inputs and evaluations from Mr JK. Mr JK is my idol,” said Gibran.

JK claimed that he played a major role in bringing Jokowi from Solo to Jakarta to contest the DKI Jakarta regional election.

“Tell them that, Jokowi became president because of me,” said JK as quoted from Kompas TV.

Jokowi gave a casual response to JK’s statement.

“Yes, I’m nobody. I’m a village person,” said Jokowi briefly on Monday (20/4/2026).