In early July 2025, a statement by Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, sparked widespread public attention. He announced that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka would be stationed in Papua to undertake a special assignment from President Prabowo Subianto. The news, reported on July 9, 2025, at 12:16 PM WIT, quickly ignited speculation, with some interpreting the assignment as a form of “political exile.”
Background of Gibran’s Assignment in Papua
President Prabowo Subianto, inaugurated in October 2024, entrusted Gibran with a special task to lead the acceleration of development in Papua. According to Yusril, this assignment encompasses not only physical infrastructure development but also sensitive issues such as human rights (HAM), security governance, and the empowerment of Indigenous Papuans (OAP). Yusril initially stated that Gibran might establish an office in Papua, supported by the formation of the Secretariat of the Special Agency for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development (Badan Otsus), as mandated by Article 68A of Law No. 2 of 2021 on Papua’s Special Autonomy.
This agency, chaired by the Vice President, includes the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, the Minister of Finance, and one representative from each province in Papua. Its purpose is to coordinate, evaluate, and synchronize development policies in Papua, a region grappling with complex challenges such as development disparities, social conflicts, and human rights issues. The assignment is a continuation of the role previously held by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, who led the Steering Agency for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development (BP3OKP) under Presidential Regulation No. 121 of 2022 during the Jokowi administration.
However, the initial statement that Gibran would “set up an office in Papua” triggered varied interpretations, particularly due to the framing used by some media and observers. The term “office” suggested that Gibran might relocate or permanently base himself in Papua, leading to narratives of “exile” from the political center in Jakarta.
Public Criticism: Is Gibran Being “Exiled”?
The narrative that Gibran was being “exiled” to Papua quickly gained traction on social media, particularly on the X platform, sparking heated discussions. Below are the key criticisms and negative perceptions that emerged:
- Narrative of Political Exile
Some observers and social media users speculated that Gibran’s assignment to Papua was a strategic move by Prabowo to “sideline” him from the political epicenter in Jakarta. This narrative was fueled by the political dynamics following the 2024 election, where the relationship between Prabowo and Gibran, the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo, was closely scrutinized. Some suggested that Prabowo aimed to limit Gibran’s influence within the national political elite, particularly as Gibran is seen as a continuation of Jokowi’s political legacy. A verified X user commented, “Is this a subtle way to distance Gibran from Jakarta? Papua is important, but the framing feels like exile.” - Questions About Gibran’s Capacity
Another point of criticism centered on Gibran’s capacity to handle the complex issues in Papua. As the former Mayor of Solo, Gibran’s experience is considered limited in addressing the intricate political, social, and human rights challenges in Papua, which require a nuanced and sensitive approach. Journalist Dandhy Laksono, for instance, questioned on X whether Gibran had sufficient understanding of issues like customary land rights and the potential negative impacts of non-inclusive development. He wrote, “Let’s hope the acceleration of development in Papua doesn’t accelerate the dispossession of Indigenous land.” - Skepticism About Effectiveness
The Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) issued critical remarks, highlighting the perceived shortcomings of the BP3OKP under Ma’ruf Amin. They urged Gibran to evaluate past weaknesses, such as the lack of Indigenous community involvement in policymaking. A Papua-based human rights activist, quoted by local media, stated, “We don’t need symbolism. If the Vice President is only coming for ceremonies, he’d better stay in Jakarta.” - Sentiment of Politicization
Some viewed the assignment as an attempt by the government to “package” Gibran’s role to appear significant, despite the task being largely administrative and not requiring a physical presence in Papua. This perception was reinforced by Indonesia’s political history, where the Vice President’s role is often seen as ceremonial with limited authority.
Politicians’ Responses
The announcement of Gibran’s assignment in Papua elicited varied responses from politicians, reflecting both support and caution:
- Deddy Sitorus (PDIP)
Deddy Sitorus, a senior member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), welcomed the assignment, viewing it as a demonstration of President Prabowo’s commitment to accelerating development in Papua. He noted that former President Joko Widodo, Gibran’s father, frequently visited Papua, and this assignment reflects continued attention to the region. Sitorus expressed hope that Gibran would not merely make fleeting visits but establish a meaningful presence to focus on development and social justice. He emphasized that Gibran’s greatest task is to deliver justice, particularly in education and economic opportunities, as many Papuans have yet to benefit from developments like palm oil concessions and mining. In a pointed remark, Sitorus suggested that working in Papua would be more impactful for Gibran than “distributing skincare products” in Jakarta, urging him to leave a lasting legacy. - Ahmad Muzani (Gerindra, Speaker of MPR)
Ahmad Muzani, Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) from the Gerindra Party, did not directly address Gibran’s Papua assignment but responded to related speculation about a proposed impeachment by the TNI Retirees Forum. Muzani firmly stated that the MPR had no plans to impeach Gibran, underscoring his legitimacy as a democratically elected Vice President in 2024. This response indirectly supports Gibran’s role, including his assignment in Papua, by affirming his position. - Bob Hasan (Golkar, DPR Legislative Body)
Bob Hasan, a member of the Legislative Body (Baleg) of the House of Representatives (DPR) from the Golkar Party, also addressed the impeachment proposal, stating that it lacked a strong legal basis and was not worth pursuing. While he did not specifically comment on the Papua assignment, his defense of Gibran’s legitimacy suggests tacit support for his continued role, including in Papua. - Puan Maharani (PDIP, Speaker of DPR)
Puan Maharani, Speaker of the DPR from PDIP, took a cautious stance when addressing the impeachment proposal linked to Gibran’s eligibility as Vice President. She noted that she had not yet reviewed the proposal from the TNI Retirees Forum and that it would require discussion in DPR leadership and consultative meetings. While she did not directly comment on Gibran’s Papua assignment, her response reflects the sensitive political context surrounding his role.
Government Clarifications: Secretariat, Not Gibran Personally
In response to the speculation and criticism, the government promptly issued clarifications to quell the controversy. The key points are as follows:
- Secretariat of the Special Agency in Papua
On July 9, 2025, Yusril clarified that the entity “setting up an office in Papua” referred to the Secretariat of the Special Agency for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development, not Gibran personally. The secretariat is likely to be based in Jayapura to facilitate field coordination. Gibran, as the agency’s chair, will lead from Jakarta, with periodic visits to Papua as needed. Yusril emphasized, “There are no plans for the Vice President to relocate his office to Papua. This is purely about coordination efficiency.” - Gibran’s Role Similar to Ma’ruf Amin’s
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian reinforced this clarification, explaining that Gibran’s role mirrors that of Ma’ruf Amin as the head of BP3OKP during Jokowi’s administration. Tito stated that Gibran would not have a permanent office in Papua but would utilize the secretariat during visits. The field execution will be handled by the Executive Agency for the Acceleration of Papua’s Development, which has yet to be appointed by Prabowo. Tito added, “This is a continuation of the special autonomy policy, not something new.” - Structure and Objectives of the Special Agency
The Special Agency for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development, chaired by Gibran, aims to synchronize development policies across Papua’s six provinces. It will focus on issues like economic equity, education, healthcare, and addressing human rights violations. The secretariat in Papua will serve as a technical coordination hub, staffed by officials from various ministries and local representatives. - Response to Exile Narrative
The government firmly denied the narrative of Gibran’s “exile.” Yusril stressed that Papua is a strategic priority for the Prabowo-Gibran administration, and the assignment reflects significant trust in Gibran to handle a critical issue. “Papua is not a place for banishment. It’s a region requiring special attention, and the Vice President has been given a major responsibility,” Yusril stated.
Analysis: Why Is This Issue Controversial?
The controversy surrounding Gibran’s assignment to Papua stems from several factors:
- Political Polarization: As Jokowi’s son, Gibran remains a polarizing figure amid the political dynamics post-2024 election. The “exile” narrative resonates with those who view the Prabowo-Gibran relationship with suspicion, further amplified by PDIP’s complex stance, given Gibran’s expulsion from the party.
- Complexity of Papua’s Issues: Papua faces multidimensional challenges, from armed conflicts and human rights violations to development disparities. Assigning a relatively inexperienced figure like Gibran fuels skepticism.
- Unclear Public Communication: Yusril’s initial statement about “setting up an office in Papua” lacked clear context, triggering misinterpretations. The subsequent clarifications underscore the importance of transparent communication to prevent speculation.
Challenges and Expectations Moving Forward
Gibran’s assignment in Papua holds potential as a strategic move but faces several challenges:
- Evaluation of Past Policies: Komnas HAM Papua emphasized the need to assess the shortcomings of BP3OKP under Ma’ruf Amin. Gibran must ensure that new policies do not repeat past mistakes, such as limited Indigenous involvement.
- Human Rights and Social Justice Approach: Addressing human rights issues, including resolving past violations, must be a priority. Gibran needs to collaborate with Komnas HAM and civil society organizations to ensure an inclusive approach.
- Transparency and Accountability: To counter skepticism, the government must ensure that Gibran’s assignment is executed transparently, with regular progress reports on Papua’s development.
Conclusion
The issue of Gibran being “exiled” to Papua, reported on July 9, 2025, reflects the complex interplay between government policy, public perception, and political communication. The narrative of exile largely stems from unclear initial statements, ongoing political polarization, and skepticism about Gibran’s capacity. Politicians like Deddy Sitorus expressed support, urging Gibran to deliver meaningful impact, while others, like Ahmad Muzani and Bob Hasan, defended his legitimacy amid related controversies. Clarifications from Yusril and Tito confirm that Gibran will not permanently relocate to Papua but will lead the Special Agency for the Acceleration of Papua’s Special Autonomy Development, with its secretariat in Jayapura for coordination. The success of this assignment will depend on Gibran and his team’s ability to address Papua’s complex challenges with an inclusive, transparent, and justice-oriented approach. The public and political observers will closely monitor Gibran’s actions to determine whether this role is merely symbolic or a genuine step toward advancing Papua’s development.
