PDIP Dismisses Kaesang's Legislative Bid in Puan's Stronghold: Central Java is a 'Bull's Pen'

Ganjar Pranowo, a member of the PDI Perjuangan central executive board, said the party is unconcerned about the announcement by PSI chairman Kaesang Pangarep that he will run in the 2029 legislative elections from Central Java’s Constituency V.

“Every citizen has the right to equal opportunity in government. That is guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution, whoever they are,” he said in a written statement to journalists on Sunday (26/7).

He also considered it natural for Kaesang to run in Constituency V, given that he comes from Solo, Central Java.

Ganjar believes the most important thing going forward is ensuring that people can still exercise their voting rights freely, without pressure from anyone.

“For PDI-P, this is not about who faces off against whom, but about how the people are given the opportunity to determine their choice freely and democratically,” he said.

Furthermore, Ganjar expressed confidence that PDI-P’s vote share in the region would not be eroded by Kaesang’s plan to run.

According to him, voters will still choose based on track record and closeness to the people. For that reason, Ganjar is confident Central Java will remain a vote barn for PDI-P.

“We respect every election contestant, and we remain convinced that closeness to the people, track record, and real work will be the public’s main considerations in giving their mandate,” he explained.

“No (votes will be lost), we’re from different parties. I’m still confident (Central Java) is the bull’s home turf,” he added.

Previously, PSI chairman Kaesang Pangarep announced he would run as a legislative candidate from the city of Solo.

Kaesang said he will run as a candidate from electoral district (Dapil) V of Central Java. Constituency V covers Surakarta (Solo), Boyolali, Klaten and Sukoharjo.

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani hails from this constituency. In the last election, Puan won the most votes with 297,366.