As a result Gibran said during the opening of Mangkok Ku x Goola outlet on Monday that he would pass some of his culinary businesses to his younger brother Kaesang Pangarep.

The 32-year-old is known as a food and beverage (F&B) entrepreneur who has launched various local brands, namely catering service Chilli Pari, martabak (sweet or savory stuffed pancake) joint Markobar and beverage brand Goola.

Meanwhile, Kaesang also ventured into the F&B business prior to graduating from university by launching several brands, such as Sang Pisang and Ternakopi, as well as Mangkok Ku, a restaurant that was founded by the brothers in collaboration with chef Arnold Poernomo.

Gibran shared during the event that he was now grooming Kaesang as he would shift focus onto his new [political] career.

“Kaesang has graduated from [university] and I will start a career in a different field,” he said.

When Gibran was asked how he had prepared Kaesang, he explained that he had been encouraging Kaesang to start a business from a young age.

Gibran himself began his business at the age of 23 but his brother started even earlier.

“He has owned a brand with [90 outlets] and opened a store in Malaysia,” Gibran said, citing one of Kaesang’s achievements, referring to Sang Pisang, a brand that sells fried bananas with various toppings.

“He is my brother and has succeeded at a younger age than me. I think he’s suitable and he will be able to continue my businesses,” added Gibran.

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From left to right: Kaesang Pangarep, Kevin Susanto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka during the opening of Mangkok Ku x Goola outlet in Kota Kasablanka shopping mall, South Jakarta. (Mangkok Ku x Goola/File)

Gibran explained that the next year would be a transitional period and he would be watching his businesses.

“I am certain Kaesang can [continue my business] and he can do it better than me,” he said.

Kaesang himself said that he was ready to take over the business.

With regard to Mangkok Ku and Goola, Gibran plans to expand the businesses next year.

Goola recently received Rp 71 billion (US$5 million) from a Jakarta-based venture capital firm, Alpha JWC Ventures. He and his partner Kevin Susanto plan to open 20 outlets by end of this year and more than 100 outlets by 2020.

Meanwhile, Mangkok Ku specializes in serving comfort food, featuring sambal (chili sauce) at affordable prices.

Arnold said they planned to open an outlet in Australia with Indonesian students as the main market.

“We also want to persuade [Australians] to try delicious Indonesian food and drinks,” added Gibran. (mut)