Bambang Pacul Unfazed by PSI's Mission to Turn Central Java into 'Elephant's Den'
Bambang Wuryanto, popularly known as Bambang Pacul, the DPP Chairman of PDIP, has voiced his thoughts regarding the political manoeuvres of the PSI through the political safari of Indonesia’s seventh President, Joko Widodo, which is scheduled to visit Central Java in mid-July.
Pacul responded casually to PSI’s desire to transform Central Java—long known as the ‘Banteng’ (Bull) stronghold—into ‘Elephant territory’. He stated that PDIP cannot prohibit the ambitions of other parties.
“It is like this, people have desires, and they express those desires,” Pacul said at the parliamentary complex on Tuesday (7/7).
However, Pacul noted that such ambitions will ultimately be tested through proof on the ground. He declined to comment further, noting that he no longer serves as the Chairman of the PDIP Central Java Regional Leadership Council (DPD).
“If I were still the Chairman of the Central Java DPD, I would have responded to that. If I were to respond now, people might say, ‘Pacul has been released from the DPD Chair position but is still talking about Central Java, he’s being too sensitive,’ and that would be difficult for me,” he said.
On the other hand, Pacul mentioned that political parties are currently exercising restraint as the Election Bill has not yet been officially discussed in the House of Representatives (DPR). Under these circumstances, legislative candidates are holding back their funds for future campaigning.
“Some are holding onto their funds for the upcoming battles. They are holding back because the legislation is not yet clear. Regarding party movements, parties rely most heavily on their legislative candidates,” he added.
PSI previously announced plans for Jokowi’s continued safari following his recent visit to Lampung. He is expected to continue his political safari to Central Java.
He will be accompanied by his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, who serves as the General Chairman of PSI. According to the plan, Jokowi will visit several regions in Central Java this month.
This news was shared by the Chairman of the PSI Central Java Regional Leadership Council (DPW), Antonius Yogo, following a meeting with Jokowi at his residence in Sumber, Solo, Central Java, on Friday (3/7).
“We are waiting for the schedule from Mr Jokowi regarding the dates. What is clear is that our task today is to prepare for his visit, to ensure that as he travels around Central Java, it truly becomes Elephant territory,” he said.