Once a ‘nobody’, Jokowi’s son set to become Indonesia’s V-P

Gibran Rakabuming Raka's rapid rise from "nobody" to potential vice president of Indonesia fueled by family ties and youth appeal.

By his own admission, Gibran Rakabuming Raka was a "nobody" a few months before Indonesia's elections.

Now, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo looks set to become the country's youngest-ever vice president.

Mr. Gibran's meteoric rise to running mate of president-in-waiting Prabowo Subianto, who declared victory last week, was fuelled by his father's wild popularity.

"Three months ago I was a nobody. I thank Sir Prabowo who has given room for young people like me," Mr. Gibran, 36, told a packed arena in the capital Jakarta after polls closed on February 14.

"I believe these high figures were because of the young people."

Official results show Defence Minister Prabowo's ticket winning a majority with more than two-thirds of votes counted. The final result is due next month.

Mr. Gibran's success in the polls has raised questions over the influence of Mr. Jokowi, as the president is popularly known, with critics accusing him of seeking to install a political dynasty before he leaves office.