Gerindra Unfazed by PSI's Ambition to Make Central Java an 'Elephant's Den'

The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Gerindra Party, Ahmad Muzani, has emphasised that his party does not mind if the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) aims to turn Central Java into ‘elephant territory’ (a political stronghold).

According to Muzani, every political party has the right to build its political strength in various regions to fight for the aspirations of the people. “I believe every political party must have great determination to fight for the aspirations of the people in those regions,” Muzante told journalists at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta.

He added, “The more political parties that want to establish a base for their struggle, the better I think it is.” Muzani assessed that competition between political parties in each region demonstrates that democracy in Indonesia is functioning healthily.

“This means there is competence and competition in that region regarding aspirations and political strength to advance the area. I think it is perfectly fine,” Muzani concluded.

Previously, it was reported that PSI Chairman Kaesang Pangarep has targeted Central Java to become ‘elephant territory’ for the 2029 General Election. This was stated by Kaesang during the PSI Central Java Regional Coordination Meeting.

Kaesang noted that PSI successfully secured 12 seats in Central Java during the 2024 General Election, consisting of five seats in the Solo City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), five seats in the Semarang City DPRD, and two seats in the Central Java DPRD. Despite this, Kaesang admitted he is not yet satisfied.

He expressed hope that in the 2029 General Election, PSI could succeed in both legislative and executive contests. Consequently, Kaesang urged all PSI cadres to work hard to achieve this target.

“Are you capable for 2029? In the next election, Central Java will be elephant territory. There is no need for other territories. The place for the Elephant is here now. PSI is present for the people of Central Java,” said Kaesang.