Preparing for His Solo Tour, Giring Ganesha Tells of Being Called by President Prabowo Subianto to Become Deputy Minister

"Three new singles, Cynthia my manager, so we are busy touring Indonesia as well, and we have been busy planning a tour. After that, we have already planned until 2025," said Giring at the Ministry of Education and Culture building on Tuesday (22/10/2024).

However, the plan had to be canceled because Giring received a direct call from Prabowo Subianto asking Giring to carry out state duties as Deputy Minister of Culture. "Suddenly I got a call from the President himself and I immediately said yes," said Giring.

The former vocalist of the band Nidji was immediately accepted. He considers the task given by President Prabowo to be far more important than continuing to promote his album.

"Because this is a mandate, a duty of the state. So we were suddenly called to Kertanegara, and there we were given further instructions," said Giring.

In that meeting, Prabowo expressed his views on the importance of culture for Indonesia. "As the President said, culture must be the face of the Indonesian nation. So there is a great task, a big responsibility," he stated.

Giring also expressed his happiness to work alongside Fadli Zon, who was appointed as Minister of Culture. "I am very happy to work alongside Bang Fadli Zon as Minister because Bang Fadli also has insights and passion for culture. So it really seems to fit, Pak Prabowo did an amazing job matching Bang Fadli with me. After that, that's it," said Giring.

Then, Giring recounted when he was relaxing with his wife at home, suddenly he was asked to come to attend the inauguration of the Deputy Minister at the Presidential Palace. 

"I was just relaxing with my wife at home as usual when suddenly Mas Teddy, always WhatsApping, made me jump because he was waiting for 8 o'clock, wow I jumped again, got ready again and finally my name was called, wow that was an experience we will never forget. So, the journey was extraordinary," said Giring.

Giring is grateful for the trust given by President Prabowo. According to him, the appointment as Deputy Minister is the result of his long journey in the political world.

"I am very grateful that it has now officially happened, this can be said to be the fruit of the beginning of my plunge into the world of politics," he emphasized.