PDIP Eyes East Java Governor Seat in 2029, Gerindra Responds
PDIP has openly declared its ambition to win the East Java governor seat in the 2029 elections. Gerindra says it respects PDIP’s target as the party prepares itself for the upcoming gubernatorial contest.
“We respect and appreciate every target and internal dynamic of each political party, including PDIP which is beginning to prepare itself for the 2029 legislative and gubernatorial elections in East Java,” said Gerindra spokesperson Bahtra Banong to journalists on Monday (24/8/2026).
Bahtra said his party is currently focused on safeguarding the success of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. According to him, it is important to ensure that all of Prabowo’s campaign promises to the people are realised soon.
“However, for us in the Gerindra Party, our current concern is to ensure that President Prabowo’s priority programmes, which have been planned and are so beneficial, are truly felt by all levels of society. The Gerindra Party is currently very focused on safeguarding and ensuring that President Prabowo’s campaign promises can be fulfilled consistently,” he said.
Bahtra detailed these programmes, ranging from improving people’s welfare, the Free Nutritious Meals programme, strengthening food and energy security, job creation, downstreaming, improving the quality of education and health, to various community economic empowerment programmes.
“For us, the measure of political success is not merely how quickly one talks about the 2029 elections, but how tangibly the current government’s work is able to improve the quality of life of the people and answer the problems they face,” he said.
Bahtra affirmed that his party will prepare itself with a mature strategy in due course. For now, he reiterated, the party is still being mobilised to support the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
“Of course, when the time comes, the Gerindra Party will face every political contestation with readiness and a mature strategy. But for now, our energy is directed towards working, safeguarding President Prabowo’s administration, strengthening services to the public, and ensuring that national strategic programmes run effectively down to the regions,” he said.
PDIP Targets East Java Governor Seat
It is known that PDIP has set a major target in East Java for 2029. Not only aiming for a legislative election victory, the party with the white-nosed bull symbol is also targeting for its cadre to sit as Governor of East Java.
The target was conveyed by PDIP East Java Regional Leadership Council (DPD) Chairman Said Abdullah during an internal party consolidation in Surabaya attended by PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri on Sunday (23/8).
“With all our hard work, we have the same obligation and the same determination to win the upcoming legislative and gubernatorial elections,” said Said.
Said said PDIP East Java has conducted a number of evaluations after losing several legislative and executive seats in the 2024 elections. He is optimistic that PDIP can win again in East Java while delivering its cadre to become governor.
Following Said’s statement, PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto revealed figures who have the potential to be nominated by PDIP as East Java gubernatorial candidates. The names of PDIP regional heads in East Java have entered the race, from Achmad Fauzi (Regent of Sumenep) to Eri Cahyadi (Mayor of Surabaya).
“If we look at a consolidated democracy, there are candidates who emerge from regional heads. We have 12 regional heads, and there are also candidates who emerge from members of the House of Representatives (DPR RI). We have a fairly significant number of DPR RI members, around 19 from East Java,” Hasto explained.