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Jokowi gives nod to Kaesang's possible run in governor race
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has dropped hints of support for the potential bid of his youngest son Kaesang Pangarep to run in the upcoming local elections as the political novice embarked on a “political safari” to boost his standing.
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Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) chair Kaesang Pangarep (center), accompanied by Prosperity Justice Party (PKS) chair Ahmad Syaikhu (fourth right), greets reporters on July 8, 2024, during his visit to the Islam-based party's office in Jakarta. Kaesang met with the PKS chair to talk about the country's latest political issues, including the possibility of building coalitions for the 2024 simultaneous regional elections. (Antara/Bayu Pratama S)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has dropped hints of support for the potential bid of his youngest son Kaesang Pangarep to run in the upcoming local elections, as the political novice embarked on a “political safari” to boost his standing.
Talks about Kaesang running for regional office have recently intensified following a controversial decision by the poll body and a court ruling to tweak the minimum age for candidates in the gubernatorial elections in November.
Asked by reporters on Monday whether he would support the idea of Kaesang running in any upcoming races, Jokowi signaled his blessing. “A parent’s job is simply to offer prayer and support,” he said with a smile.
Kaesang does not turn 30 until December of this year and was initially ineligible to run in any gubernatorial elections. But the General Elections Commission (KPU) later amended the age requirements to require candidates to be 30 years old at the time of their inauguration rather than at the time their candidacy is made official.
The decision came after the Supreme Court ordered the election agency to do so, essentially allowing Kaesang to join the race on a technicality.
The outgoing President’s hint of support for Kaesang came amid reports that he is being considered by various political parties as a potential candidate for either governor or deputy governor of Jakarta. Many of these parties are those behind the victory of president-elect Prabowo Subianto, who ran with Kaesang’s oldest brother Gibran Rakabuming Raka, in February.
But recent opinion polls showed Kaesang may have a better chance of winning the governorship in Central Java, where his father has a strong support base, than in Jakarta.
