Kaesang vs Puan, a test of the strength of the figure against the political machine

The competition between Kaesang Pangarep and Puan Maharani in the 2029 Pileg is a fight for the strength of the figure against the party machine. (Photo: dok. PSI)

JAKARTA - Political observer, Arifki Chaniago, assessed that the decision of the General Chair of the PSI, Kaesang Pangarep, to run and compete with Puan Maharani in the Central Java V Electoral District (Dapil) in the 2029 Legislative Elections has a wider political meaning than just competing for a seat in the DPR RI.

According to him, the contest will be one of the important tests for the dynamics of political relations between the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) after the two took different political paths.

Because, the Central Java V constituency which includes Surakarta City, Sukoharjo Regency, Boyolali, and Klaten has a symbolic value considering that the constituency is Jokowi's political base as well as one of the main PDIP voting pockets which is also known as the base of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani.

"The fight in Central Java V will be interesting because the public not only sees the competition between parties, but also observes how far Jokowi's political influence still works in the region which has been the main PDIP base. This is one of the important indicators to read the political dynamics leading up to the 2029 election," said Arifki, August 9.

He explained that the results of the contest would provide an overview of whether the strength of the figure was still the dominant factor in determining the choice of voters or whether the party's structure and machinery remained the main determinant in Central Java.

"What will be tested is not only the electability of PSI or the strength of PDIP. This contest will also show how voters interpret the political relationship between Jokowi and PDIP after the two have taken different political paths," he added.

He said, as the 2029 election approaches, public attention to Dapil Central Java V will increase because the region has the potential to become one of the barometers for reading changes in the political map in Central Java.

"Whatever the result, Jateng V will be one of the important political laboratories. From there, the public can see whether the influence of a figure or the institutional strength of the party is more decisive in shaping voter behavior in the 2029 election," said Arifki.