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PSI chief Kaesang 'confused' over Ganjar’s stance in first presidential debate
The recently installed PSI chair expressed confusion over the political platform of the PDI-P presidential candidate, eliciting responses from Ganjar and his campaign spokesman that seemed to take a jab at the relative newcomer's inexperience in national politics.
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Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo (third right) poses for a selfie on Dec. 15, 2023 in Bekasi, West Java, after an event for young voters to express their concerns, such as challenges in finding jobs and starting businesses. (Antara/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)
A day after the first presidential debate was held on Thursday evening, Kaesang Pangarep, chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), said he was confused about the campaign platform of Ganjar Pranowo, the presidential candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
In contrast, the other candidates presented clear stances, said Kaesang, who is the youngest son of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, a PDI-P member. While Anies Baswedan was campaigning for change, Prabowo Subianto was pushing to maintain the status quo.
“I think Anies said during the debate that anything he identified as lacking would be changed, [that] everything was subject to change. On the other hand, Prabowo was resolute about continuing the current trajectory.
“As for Ganjar, I am still uncertain about his positioning,” Kaesang told reporters at the PSI headquarters in Central Jakarta, as broadcast by Kompas TV.
He also advised voters to make their choices based on the election debates: Anies was the candidate for those who desired change, while Prabowo was for people who preferred things to remain as they were.
“So if you opt for continuity, choose No. 2. If you want change, choose No. 1,” he said, referring to Prabowo and Anies by their respective ballot numbers.
Ganjar responded to Kaesang’s comments with a veiled jab at the newcomer politician’s inexperience.
