PDIP Responds to PSI's Ambition to Turn Central Java into a 'Gajah Stronghold'

The Chairman of the PDIP DPP, Bambang Wuryanto, popularly known as Bambang Pacul, has responded to the Indonesian Solidarity Party’s (PSI) ambition to transform Central Java—currently a ‘Banteng stronghold’—into ‘Elephant territory’.

Bambang Pacul assessed that the presentation of political narratives and targets by individual parties is a normal occurrence in a democracy. He argued that the most crucial aspect to observe is not public rhetoric, but how such ambitions are translated into concrete field strategies.

“It is like this: people have desires, and they express those desires. Whether those desires are subsequently broken down into real steps to realise them is what will be seen on the ground,” Bambang Pacul stated at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (7/7/2026).

When asked about PDIP’s internal preparations to defend its voter base in Central Java, Bambang Pacul revealed that the majority of political parties are currently exercising restraint. He suggested that structural movements at the grassroots level have not yet become massive because all political actors are awaiting certainty regarding the legal framework for the upcoming elections.

“Most parties are holding back. Because the Election Law and the Legislative Election Law have not been established, most are pausing their steps. They fear moving forward only to find the regulations have changed. Legislative candidates and council members are certainly braking for now,” explained Bambang Pacul.

Furthermore, he rejected the assumption that the discourse regarding the struggle for regional bases would directly impact the consolidation strength of PDIP cadres at the lower levels. He explained that legislative candidates tend to act pragmatically and are very cautious in allocating their financial resources before clear regulations are provided by the government and parliament.

“Some—I am not saying all, as I cannot claim to know everything—are holding onto their funds for future battles. They are holding back because the laws are not yet clear. Party movements rely heavily on their legislative candidates,” Bambang Pacul concluded.

Previously, the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), was reported to be continuing a political safari alongside PSI, touring Central Java. PSI is prepared to assure Jokowi that Central Java is indeed ‘elephant territory’.

Yogo proposed that almost all regencies and cities in Central Java should be visited, though the final decision rests with Jokowi. The political safari is planned for this July.

“We are waiting for the schedule from Bapak regarding the dates. Clearly, our task today is to prepare for his visit to tour Central Java, to ensure that Central Java truly becomes ‘elephant territory’,” said the Chairman of the PSI Central Java Regional Leadership Council, Antonius Yogo, on Saturday (4/7/2026).