Kaesang Wants Central Java to Be an Elephant Cage, Observer: PSI is Not Equivalent if Head to Head with PDIP

JAKARTA - Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, responded to the statement of the General Chair of the PSI Kaesang Pangarep who targeted Central Java as the Elephant's cage in 2029.

He said, PSI is not equal if it has to fight PDIP, where Central Java is currently known as the 'bull pen'.

Jamiluddin also considered it appropriate if Kaesang's target was responded to coldly by PDIP. Because according to him, it could be that PDIP considers Kaesang's expression to be just a child's fantasy.

"So, if head to head with PDIP, PSI is indeed not equal. Comparing Kaesang with Megawati is certainly like the earth and the sky," said Jamiluddin, Monday, January 12.

In addition, said Jamiluddin, the capacity of his cadres is also not equal. PDIP cadres are more ideological than PSI cadres, so they have a better chance of being accepted in Central Java.

"PDIP is much more rooted in Central Java. This makes it difficult for other parties, especially PSI, to oust PDIP from Central Java," he said.

Moreover, continued Jamiluddin, PSI does not have a strong figure. Even though Kaesang tries to rely on his father's name, namely President Joko Widodo. However, according to Jamiluddin, public confidence in Jokowi continues to decline since he stepped down as president.

"Even from the trend, Jokowi's selling point will reach its lowest point in 2029. Therefore, I hope Jokowi can boost PSI's votes in Central Java, let alone make the Elephant's cage, hopefully just a daydream," said Jamiluddin.

Previously, the Chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Kaesang Pangarep, said Central Java was a herd of elephants. PSI began heating the party machine and targeting 17 DPRD seats in the province in the 2029 election.

Kaesang said that currently PSI has 12 DPRD members in Central Java. However, this number is still considered not ideal.

"To be honest, 12 seats are still too small for Central Java. Our target in the future is 17 seats at the provincial level. For regencies/cities, at least 100 factions must be filled," said Kaesang when opening the Regional Coordination Meeting (Rakorwil) of the Central Java PSI Regional Leadership Council (DPW) in Solo City, Thursday, January 8.

He gave an example of PSI's achievements in Solo City which experienced a significant increase. In the previous election, PSI only won one DPRD seat. In the 2024 election, it increased to five seats and managed to place its cadres as leaders of the Solo City DPRD.

In addition, PSI also has a Deputy Mayor of Solo. "I hope that in the next election there will be more leaders who are born from PSI," he said.

Kaesang emphasized PSI's commitment to continue to be present and work for the people of Central Java.

"Central Java is the elephant's cage. PSI is here for the people of Central Java. Please help us work and move together towards the 2029 election," he said.

Meanwhile, the PDI-P responded casually to Kaesang's statement. Secretary General (Sekjen) of the PDIP Hasto Kristiyanto, said his party was not too bothered about the statement of the PSI head.

"Elections are still long. The people who decide yes. The people who decide, who have sovereignty," said Hasto on the sidelines of the PDIP National Working Meeting, Ancol, Jakarta, Saturday, January 10.

Hasto said PDIP was undergoing internal reform and internal reform and strengthening party solidarity.

In addition, the party with the bull logo will also be more involved in community service or humanitarian movements such as disaster recovery.

"We are focusing on consolidating the organization in all aspects of party life so that when the people face difficulties such as disasters, we will come down with all the power of the party. That is our priority scale," said Hasto.