Saan Mustofa: Youth Guard to Help NasDem Enter Top 3 in 2029 Election

NasDem Party Deputy Chairman Saan Mustopa is targeting the Garda Pemuda NasDem to become the party’s driving force in securing a top-three position in the 2029 General Election. Saan noted that over three election cycles, NasDem has consistently experienced significant growth. “We want NasDem to be among the top three winners of the 2029 Election, and if we want to be in the top three, then once again our greatest hope lies with the Garda Pemuda NasDem,” Saan said during the Second Congress and 15th Anniversary of NasDem in Jakarta on Tuesday evening. Saan stated that Garda Pemuda NasDem is the backbone of the party, describing it as the source of NasDem’s leadership. He likened Garda Pemuda to a spring that must be kept clean. “If we want to obtain credible leaders, leaders with integrity and high commitment to both the nation and the party, we must keep Garda Pemuda clean,” he said. Saan quoted NasDem Chairman Surya Paloh, saying that as a large family, Garda Pemuda must support one another and maintain togetherness. “Because going forward, political competition will be increasingly competitive and tougher. Therefore, hopes and expectations rest on the shoulders of Garda Pemuda NasDem,” he said. On the same occasion, Garda Pemuda NasDem Chairman Prananda Surya Paloh said that since its establishment 11 years ago, the party’s youth wing has become a centre for recruitment and cadre development. He noted that several members of the NasDem Central Executive Board originated from Garda Pemuda, with some becoming provincial chairpersons. “This is proof that the cadre development and recruitment pattern is on the right track,” said Prananda. He added that over three elections, the number of Garda NasDem cadres entering legislative bodies at regional and national levels has continued to increase. “In 2019, Garda Pemuda contributed 926,949 votes out of a total of 12.6 million votes. In 2024, it improved to 1.5 million votes out of a total of 14.6 million votes. From this data, we can see the importance of the youth’s role in the upcoming election,” he said.