Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – A person's life path is unpredictable. There was someone who used to be a comedian, then suddenly became president. There are also those who admit that they have no intention of entering politics and want to focus on business, but in the end they will become rulers of the country.
History records the various professions pursued by figures before becoming world leaders, from furniture makers, comedians, to martabak makers. Anyone?
1. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine
Zelensky spent half his life in the world of acting. He once played the role of President of Ukraine on a TV show. However, who would have thought that from just a fictional role it would turn into a real role. In 2019, Zelensky, who had absolutely no political experience, won the most votes in the first round of Ukraine's presidential election.
His success in becoming president through elections even managed to defeat the incumbent president, Petro Poroshenko. Petro is known to be in 2nd place with 16% of the vote. Now, Zelensky is still President of Ukraine and a central figure in the midst of the Russian military onslaught.
2. Daniel Noboa, Ecuador
In the Ecuadorian elections held at the end of 2023, Daniel Noboa managed to get the most votes. So, he legally became president-elect and became the youngest president in Ecuador's history.
Daniel Noboa is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School. He has a background as a banana farmer, which is a family business. On this basis, he has absolutely no political experience. Analysts also say this is a heavy burden to untangle the complexity in Ecuador.
Noboa himself will be inaugurated in May 2025.
3. Ronald Reagan, United States
Ronald Reagan served as President of the United States for two consecutive terms, from 1981-1989. Before becoming president, this man who was born in Illinois in 1911 was a famous actor in Uncle Sam's country.
Even though he has a background in the world of acting, this does not mean that Reagan's leadership was doubted by his people. After all, before serving as president, he studied government by serving as Governor of California representing the Republican Party from 1967 to 1975.
During his time as US President, he cut taxes, increased the defense budget, and participated in negotiations to reduce the use of nuclear weapons in war. He also received special credit because he was considered quick in ending the cold war between the US and the Soviet Union.
4. Joko Widodo, Indonesia
Indonesian history always records that the country's rulers came from elite families. However, that changed when Joko Widodo became the 7th President of Indonesia
The figure who is often referred to as Jokowi started his career as a furniture maker in Solo in 1988. In that year, he founded CV Rakabu. His business went up and down, until finally he was able to start exporting and his business became PT Rakabu and in the 2000s his turnover reached billions.
After doing business, Jokowi started politics. He set a record as a figure who has never lost an election. From Mayor of Solo, Governor of DKI Jakarta, to finally becoming President of Indonesia.
5. Gibran Rakabuming, Indonesia
Gibran is the son of the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. He started his career as an entrepreneur based in Solo. The majority of its businesses are in the food and beverage industry. Starting from martabak, food catering, processed bananas, to contemporary food.
After doing business, Gibran became Mayor of Solo in February 2021. In the world of politics, he is one of the young figures who has fast political steps. Three years after becoming mayor, Gibran was declared elected as Vice President of Indonesia paired with Prabowo Subianto. Both will be inaugurated on October 20 2024.
So, those are 5 leaders from countries around the world who have diverse backgrounds. Again, no one knows the path of a person's life, except God Almighty.
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