Anies: There is a Tendency for Political Dynasties to Emerge in Indonesia, We are Witnessing It

Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has spoken out regarding the tendency of family political dynasties emerging in Indonesia. Anies stated that the public can witness this development, necessitating equal opportunity in democracy.

Initially, Anies responded to opportunities for civil society organisation Gerakan Rakyat in the 2029 elections. He expressed hope that democracy in Indonesia would provide equal opportunity to all members of society.

“Let me speak to the general principles of what was just asked. Democracy has fundamental benchmarks. We hope that democracy in Indonesia provides equality and opportunity to everyone. So when the Constitutional Court makes decisions, those decisions must make our democracy increasingly equal,” said Anies at the headquarters of Gerakan Rakyat, Ampera Street, South Jakarta, on Friday (27 February 2026).

Anies then touched upon the emergence of family political dynasties in Indonesia. He stated that the appearance of family dynasties in the country is even clearly witnessed by the public.

“On the other hand, we know that in Indonesia there is a tendency for dynasties to emerge, a tendency for family power to emerge, and that tendency does exist, does it not? And we witness it. So our democracy, its rules of the game, must be able to ensure that equal opportunity exists,” said Anies.

He recalled history from 2014-2015 when the Constitutional Court banned the candidacy of close relatives in regional elections. Nevertheless, he stated that this rule was challenged and subsequently invalidated, with its effects still being felt today.

“One of the important decisions, in my view, was when back in 2015—back then there was actually already a law that prohibited regional elections, regional elections from being contested by relatives, correct? But then, in 2014, that law underwent a constitutional review by the Constitutional Court and was subsequently annulled,” said Anies.

“From 2014 until now we have witnessed them emerge everywhere,” he added.

Anies stated that the law had been in effect for 12 years. He expressed hope for a correction to the accompanying legislation.

“I think it has been in place for 10 years, and the public can judge whether it is now time for that law to be corrected again. It has been in place for 10 years, it has been in place for 12 years, and from that we have witnessed a period where it was prohibited, a period where it was allowed,” he said.

He stated that a correction to the legislation is important for democracy in Indonesia. Anies hopes that both regional and central governments work for the people, not based on family or certain groups alone.

“From this, we can then see. I believe it is crucial that in Indonesia, both regional and central governments work for the people, not for family groups and not exclusively for certain groups,” he concluded.