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'PSI is pro-business': Giring plans to boost economy through 2024 presidential bid
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Giring Ganesha, the newly appointed Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) acting chairman declared his intention to run the 2024 presidential election on Monday. (PSI central board/PSI)
G
iring Ganesha, the acting chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), who recently declared his intention to run in the 2024 presidential race, says he has plans to make the most of Indonesia’s demographic bonus to boost the economy.
“PSI is pro-business. We want businesses to thrive to achieve the people’s wellbeing,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old singer-turned-politician said 2024 would be an opportunity for young people to lead the nation, including in business innovation.
“Our government system needs to break out of old patterns. We need more young leaders who understand the challenges faced by youngsters, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs with a vision to change business for the better,” he said.
He added that a fast-running industry needed supporting policies and infrastructure. “We must focus on expediting regulation that will help new and established businesses to flourish so that there will be more jobs and even new careers,” said Giring.
The PSI bills itself as a political party for the young, with a strong social media presence. The party backed President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's reelection in 2019 and has declared support for his administration.
Read also: Singer-turned-politician Giring Ganesha to run for president in 2024
Giring, the former vocalist of pop rock band Nidji, also mentioned Jokowi's infrastructure achievement as his inspiration.
“As I was in a band and did tours across the country, I witnessed how Indonesia has developed with more toll roads, bigger airports, malls and an increased purchasing power among the people. I have no criticism of Jokowi’s administration,” he said.
He added that he would follow Jokowi’s signature blusukan (impromptu visits) to gain insights from the people, especially youngsters. “In the next three years after the pandemic is over, I’m ready to travel across Indonesia to meet the people,” he said.
Giring expressed optimism that his past experience as a band, business and party leader would be enough for him to lead the nation. He also said that his early declaration as a 2024 presidential candidate was designed to give him and the PSI more time to prepare.
In 2018, Giring turned from focusing on his musical career to politics. He ran in the 2019 legislative election although he did not get a seat in the House of Representatives after the party failed to meet the legislative threshold at the national level of 4 percent of the total vote. (aly)
