Kaesang Pangarep Sets Sights on Central Java's 'Hell District' for 2029 Legislative Bid

Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Chairman Kaesang Pangarep has officially announced his intention to run as a legislative candidate in the 2029 General Election, targeting Central Java’s Electoral District V. The district, which covers the areas of Klaten, Sukoharjo, Boyolali, and the city of Surakarta (Solo), is widely known as the ‘Hell District’ due to its intense political competition and the presence of national political figures.

In the 2024 legislative election, the district was dominated by high-profile politicians. House Speaker and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) elite Puan Maharani topped the polls with 297,366 votes. She was followed by Adik Sasongko of the Gerindra Party with 142,405 votes, and Singgih Januratmoko of the Golkar Party, who secured 125,067 votes. Other notable elected representatives included Aria Bima of PDI-P and Abdul Kharis Almasyhari of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

Party performance in the region also highlights the challenge ahead for Kaesang. PDI-P led the vote count with 774,282 votes, followed by Golkar with 335,804 votes and Gerindra with 302,492 votes. PSI, the party chaired by Kaesang, managed to secure 134,249 votes in the district during the 2024 election.

Speaking to party members, Kaesang expressed his determination to compete in the upcoming election. He requested continued support and solidarity from his party to achieve victory in 2029. He clarified that his remarks were not made in his capacity as party chairman, but as a prospective legislative candidate for the Central Java V electoral district.