Gerindra's Muzani Responds to PSI's Ambition to Make Central Java a 'Gajah' Stronghold
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Gerindra Party, Ahmad Muzani, has responded to claims by the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) regarding their intention to turn Central Java into an ‘elephant’ stronghold. Central Java has long been known as the ‘bull’ stronghold, serving as the primary vote reservoir for the PDI Perjuangan.
Muzani previously expressed his own desire to turn Central Java into a ‘Garuda’ nest during his tenure as Secretary General of the Gerindra Party in February 2025. Now, Muzani views this as an opportunity for political parties to compete for votes in the region.
“The more political parties that want to establish a base for their struggle, the better I think it is. This means there is competition in the region in terms of aspirations and political strength to advance the area,” said the Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) at the DPR/MPR building, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.
According to Muzani, there is nothing wrong with the determination of parties seeking to capture the voters’ voices in Central Java. The outcome of this inter-party competition will ultimately be decided through the general election.
“I believe every political party must have great determination to fight for the people’s aspirations in that region,” he added.
The Chairman of the Central Executive Board for Legislative Election Victory of PDI Perjuangan, Bambang Wuryanto, also responded to PSI’s ambitions. However, the man commonly known as Bambang Pacul instead referenced Muzani in his response.
“Previously, Mr Muzani also said he wanted to turn it into a Garuda nest,” said Bambang Pacul at the House of Representatives (DPR) building, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.
The Deputy Chairman of the MPR declined to comment directly on PSI’s determination, stating only that everyone with an ambition will formulate strategic steps to achieve their goals.
The claim that Central Java will become an ‘elephant’ stronghold was made by the Chairman of the PSI Central Java Regional Leadership Council, Antonius Yogo, while explaining preparations for former President Joko Widodo’s tour of the region in July. Yogo proposed that Jokowi visit the majority of areas in Central Java as a position reflecting PSI’s standing.
PSI’s ambition to make Central Java a vote reservoir for the 2024 Election was previously stated by PSI Chairman Kaesang Pangarep during the PSI Central Java Regional Coordination Meeting held in Solo on Thursday, 8 January 2026.
“Central Java is the elephant stronghold. PSI is present for the people of Central Java. Please help us work and move together towards the 2029 Election,” said Kaesang.
According to Kaesang, this target can only be achieved with a solid party structure down to the lowest level. He repeatedly emphasised the importance of organisational improvement from the Regional Leadership Council (DPW) to the Branch Leadership Council (DPRT) as the key to passing election verification and serving as a victory engine.
“The key to our victory is structure. If the structure is strong, we can achieve an absolute victory in Central Java,” said Kaesang.