NOBARTV NEWS – On Sunday (20/10/2024), President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka announced the composition of the Red and White Cabinet that will run the Indonesian government for the next five years. However, what caught the attention of many was the absence of the name of famous presenter Raffi Ahmad on the list, even though he had previously attended the summons of ministerial candidates at Prabowo's residence on Tuesday (15/10/2024).
Raffi Ahmad, who is known as one of the celebrities with great influence in the country, was rumored to be getting a position in this new government. However, in the cabinet announcement made at the State Palace, the name of Nagita Slavina's husband did not appear in the list of ministers, deputy ministers, or heads of other agencies.
“Not Invited, I Didn’t Do Anything”
In a statement given at Trans7 Studio, South Jakarta, Monday (21/10/2024), Raffi Ahmad answered speculation about his position in the cabinet calmly. When asked by reporters whether he was invited to the announcement of the Red and White Cabinet, Raffi answered briefly, "Not invited, I didn't do anything."
This answer made the public even more curious about Raffi's role in the Prabowo-Gibran government, considering his closeness to several political figures, including President Prabowo himself. However, Raffi was reluctant to provide further information about his involvement in the government. When asked if he might become a special staff of the President, Raffi only said, "Later, let Mr. Prabowo announce it."
Raffi Ahmad and His Closeness to the Government
Raffi Ahmad is not only known as a presenter and celebrity, but also as one of the influencers who actively supports the campaign of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Raffi's role in the victory of this pair in the 2024 Election is quite significant. He is often seen at major events related to the campaign, both in person and through his social media which has millions of followers.
In fact, on several occasions, Raffi Ahmad often appears to be invited to state events, such as a visit to the Indonesian Capital (IKN) led by President Prabowo. Raffi's closeness to this circle of power inevitably raises speculation that he might be given an important role in the new government.
However, until now, there has been no official announcement regarding Raffi Ahmad's position in the cabinet or government. Speculations that have developed among the media and the public about Raffi Ahmad's role as a special staff of the President have not been answered.
Congratulations to the Red and White Cabinet
Despite not being included in the cabinet list, Raffi Ahmad still congratulated Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka on their inauguration as President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia. In the same statement, Raffi expressed his hope that their leadership would run smoothly and receive blessings from God.
"Congratulations also to Mr. Prabowo as President of the Republic of Indonesia, and Mr. Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Vice President of Indonesia who has been given the mandate, may it be smooth and blessed by Allah SWT," said Raffi Ahmad sincerely.
Not only that, Raffi also gave his appreciation to all members of the Red and White Cabinet who had just been announced. He hoped that all the ministers and deputy ministers who were elected could carry out their duties well and bring Indonesia to a better direction. "Good luck to all who have been announced," concluded Raffi Ahmad.
The Role of Artists in Indonesian Politics
The phenomenon of celebrities getting involved in politics is nothing new in Indonesia. In recent years, more and more public figures from the entertainment world have entered the political arena or at least been involved in political campaigns. Raffi Ahmad himself is one example of how celebrities can influence public opinion and bring support for certain candidates.
Raffi Ahmad's involvement in Prabowo-Gibran's victory shows how important the role of influencers and celebrities is in supporting political campaigns in this digital era. Through their social media platforms, figures like Raffi Ahmad can reach a wide audience and influence the political choices of their followers.
In addition to Raffi, several other artists are also rumored to be close to political circles. Names such as Deddy Corbuzier, Atta Halilintar, and singer Raisa are also said to have played a role in mobilizing public support for the Prabowo-Gibran pair. Although not all of them got positions in the cabinet, their involvement in politics during the campaign period reflects a new dynamic in Indonesian politics.
Raffi Ahmad Still Has a Chance to Enter the Government?
Although not included in the Red and White Cabinet, speculation about Raffi Ahmad's role in the Prabowo-Gibran government continues. Many believe that Raffi may get another strategic role outside the cabinet, given his enormous influence among young people and the wider community.
With his experience as a presenter, entrepreneur, and influencer, it is possible that Raffi Ahmad will be placed in a position that focuses on creative fields or the digital economy, which are currently one of the priorities of the new government. However, until there is an official announcement, the public can only speculate about Raffi's future in government.
What is clear is that Raffi Ahmad has proven that he is a figure who is able to balance a career in the entertainment world with involvement in important issues in the public sphere. Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka's decision not to include Raffi in the cabinet may have surprised many, but Raffi Ahmad's political and professional journey seems far from over.
The absence of Raffi Ahmad from the Red and White Cabinet announced on Sunday (20/10/2024) raised many questions among the public. Although he was present at the summons for ministerial candidates at Prabowo Subianto's residence, Raffi did not get any position in the new government. However, Raffi still gave his support and congratulations to Prabowo, Gibran, and all the newly inaugurated cabinet members.
Raffi's closeness to the circle of power and his role in the victory of Prabowo-Gibran shows that his influence in Indonesian politics is quite significant. However, until now, Raffi Ahmad's role in the government is still a mystery, and the public is waiting for further announcements regarding the next steps of one of the most influential celebrities in Indonesia.
