PRIME NEWS POST 

The INDONESIAN, (JAKARTA) — The declaration of Gibran Joeara (GI‑JOE) under the banner “Gibran the Champion, Indonesia the Champion” was the focus of an interview between Elhan Zakaria of Pemimpin Masa Depan News and Benny Parapat, Chairman of GI‑JOE, on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

In the discussion, Elhan Zakaria explored the origins of GI‑JOE, the reasons prompting Benny Parapat and a network of volunteers to adopt a new political stance, and the group’s role in overseeing the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Benny Parapat explained that GI‑JOE emerged from the political dynamics following the 2024 Presidential Election. He acknowledged having previously stood in the ranks of supporters for the Anies Baswedan–Muhaimin Iskandar ticket. However, subsequent political developments led him and fellow volunteers to take a different position and declare support for the Prabowo–Gibran administration through 2029.

In the interview, Benny asserted that politics should not remain mired in division, confrontation, or narratives that risk fragmenting society. The shift in allegiance, he said, represents more than a change of political preference — it reflects a desire to redirect public life toward tangible action and development that delivers real benefit to the people.

“We want to support real work. Politics must not stop at assumptions, perceptions, or narratives of hatred. What we must advance is ensuring government development and programmes truly benefit the community,” Benny stated on 23 September.

Elhan Zakaria then highlighted GI‑JOE’s stated position as both a supportive organisation and one that remains critically engaged with government performance.

Benny responded by emphasising that GI‑JOE refuses to offer unqualified backing without oversight. Support, he said, must go hand‑in‑hand with constructive input and criticism where policies stand in need of improvement.

“Our principle is to support what is good, monitor what is underway, and offer input where things need adjustment. We are not passive supporters. We want to ensure government programmes are truly felt by the people,” he affirmed.

Elhan also asked why Benny had invited volunteers with differing prior political allegiances to join GI‑JOE. Benny explained that divergent choices during the 2024 election should not become a barrier to communication and cooperation once the contest has concluded.

GI‑JOE, he said, seeks to be an inclusive space for all sectors of society — including those who previously supported Anies Baswedan — to unite energy and ideas in advancing Indonesia’s development.

This stance is anchored in three core commitments:

– Overseeing the Prabowo–Gibran administration through 2029
– Countering hoaxes, defamation, and narratives that divide the nation
– Urging all elements of society to set aside political ego and build unity

The formal GI‑JOE declaration was held at the headquarters of the DPP Militan Gibran Nusantara (MGN), Jalan Tanah Abang III No. 31, Petojo Selatan, Gambir, Central Jakarta, on 23 September 2026. Reports note the movement draws on a volunteer network that previously backed Anies Baswedan and now pledges support to the Prabowo–Gibran government.

Benny added that GI‑JOE’s mission extends beyond political endorsement. The group is preparing initiatives spanning creativity, entrepreneurship, leadership, achievement, innovation, sport, the creative economy, and broader youth participation.

“Young people are not merely objects of development — they are a vital social force capable of shaping the nation’s progress,” he said. GI‑JOE also opens collaboration with communities, youth organisations, activists, professionals, business leaders, academics, and all sectors of society.

Benny stressed the declaration marks only the beginning. Broad‑based consolidation will follow, alongside programmes focused on youth leadership, excellence, social change, community empowerment, and shared prosperity.

“This is just the first step. We will expand our outreach. GI‑JOE aims to become a movement of positive energy, ideas, and tangible action for young people and all Indonesians,” he stated.

Founding signatories of GI‑JOE include Benny Parapat, James Moses, Aprillia, Jean Sagala, and Colonel (Ret.) Eko Natalius.

The interview with Elhan Zakaria underscores GI‑JOE’s intent to function not merely as a political support group, but as a civic platform combining advocacy, oversight, public input, and partnership — dedicated to steering the nation’s course through 2029.

Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // B