Kaesang to Run for Legislature in Puan Maharani's Electoral District in 2029, Ganjar Responds

Jakarta – PDIP Central Board Chairman Ganjar Pranowo has responded to the decision of PSI Chairman Kaesang Pangarep to run as a legislative candidate in the 2029 Legislative Election. Ganjar stressed that every citizen has an equal right to participate in government. “Every citizen has the right to equal opportunities in government. That is guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution. Whoever it is,” Ganjar told reporters on Sunday, 26 July 2026. Ganjar stated that the right to stand for election is a constitutional right guaranteed by law. He therefore assessed Kaesang’s decision to run in the Central Java V electoral district as a legitimate political right, especially since Solo is the hometown of the youngest son of the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. “As a citizen, whoever they are, has the same constitutional right to run from any electoral district in accordance with the provisions of the law. Moreover, he is originally from Solo, so choosing the Central Java V electoral district is certainly a political right that should be respected,” he said. The former Governor of Central Java emphasised that political contestation in a democratic country is not about who faces whom, but about giving the people the space to choose freely. Ganjar said PDIP respects all election participants and believes the public will make their choice based on track records, closeness to the people, and the tangible work of the candidates. “For PDI Perjuangan, this is not about who faces whom, but about how the people are given the opportunity to choose freely and democratically. We respect all election participants, and remain confident that closeness to the people, track records, and real work will be the main considerations for the public in giving their mandate,” he said. Previously, PSI Chairman Kaesang Pangarep announced he would run as a legislative candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2029 election. On that occasion, he also urged all cadres to remain solid in facing the upcoming election. “I ask for your support to remain solid so we can win the 2029 election,” Kaesang explained.