ST Picks: Redefining the ‘spare tyre’? Gibran’s first month as Indonesia V-P

JAKARTA - In the one month since assuming office as Indonesia’s vice-president, Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka has actively embraced his new role by distributing free lunches to schoolchildren, visiting disaster-stricken communities and establishing a dedicated public channel for direct engagement.

This proactive approach contrasts sharply with the traditional perception of the vice-presidency as a “spare tyre” – a contingency role with limited independent influence or responsibilities.