Gibran: Mr JK is My Idol, a Role Model for Us All

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka responded to the statement by Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK), who claimed his role made Joko Widodo (Jokowi) the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia. Gibran views JK as an idol and mentor due to his vast experience in politics and conflict resolution.

“Mr JK is my senior. Mr JK is also a mentor. He has extensive experience. He has made significant contributions to the nation, especially in conflict areas,” said Gibran when providing a statement after inspecting Sorong District Hospital in Southwest Papua, as reported by Antara on Wednesday (22/4/2026).

Gibran also regards JK as a senior figure and a role model for everyone. Due to JK’s role, Gibran expressed gratitude for the input and evaluations from the Chairman General of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).

“So he (JK) is a role model for us all, and yes, I am very grateful for the inputs and evaluations from Mr JK,” he stated.

Gibran also considers JK, who accompanied Jokowi as Vice President, as his idol. “Mr JK is my idol,” he added.

JK is known to be annoyed by Rismon Sianipar’s accusations that he funded the Jokowi diploma case. JK then recalled his role behind Jokowi’s career up to becoming the seventh President of Indonesia.

This statement was made by JK when asked about a police report regarding a video of his lecture on ‘dying as a martyr’ at UGM. JK was asked whether he felt politicised by this case.

Then, JK responded by saying he did not want to speculate. However, he felt the issue arose after he reported Rismon Sianipar to the police regarding the accusation of funding the Jokowi diploma case.

JK admitted he had been contacted several times by Rismon and Roy Suryo, but he always refused. He expressed his annoyance about the prolonged diploma forgery accusation issue that implicated several names.

“This Rismon matter has involved everyone; I was accused, Puan was accused, SBY was accused, who else. It’s just a diversion. So why am I angry? Especially since I was accused of giving Rp 5 billion, where did I give Rp 5 billion? I don’t even know him, I’ve never met him. Here’s the proof of the WhatsApp. I didn’t say that,” said JK on Monday (20/4).

JK spoke about his role in Jokowi’s political career. JK said he was the one who brought Jokowi from Solo to Jakarta. JK said he was the one who suggested Jokowi’s name to PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri.

“I informed everyone about that from the very beginning; Jokowi became president because of me,” said JK.