Kaesang Meets Papuan Muslim Leader Thaha Alhamid

PSI Chairman Kaesang Pangarep (left) took a photo with a Papuan Muslim figure, Thaha Alhamid, in Jayapura, Papua, Monday (27/11/2023). (ANTARA/Genta Tenri Mawangi)

JAYAPURA - Chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Kaesang Pangarep met with Muslim figures in Papua ThahaAlhamid in Jayapura, Papua.

During the meeting, Kaesangdan ThahaAlhamid, who is also a spokesman for the presidential and vice presidential candidate pair Anies Baswedan-MuhaiminIskandaratu, discussed the latest issues related to the Earth Cenderawasih depot.

To Kaesang, Thaha entrusted his hope that President Joko Widodo's youngest son could bring PSI to become a party that has representatives in the DPR.

Not only that, Thaha, who is also a veteran Papuan activist, hopes PSI can become the ruling party after the 2024 Simultaneous General Election (Pemilu).

"It is very important for all of us, PSI, as a new party, a party that is still small, must ensure that he has access to power, local power in Papua; that's what matters," Thaha said in response to reporters' questions after the meeting in Jayapura, reported by ANTARA, Monday, November 27.

Thaha continued that access to power mainly refers to regional heads.

"In the hands of Mas Kaesang, we hope PSI will be stronger throughout Indonesia and it can be a class tracing party; the opportunity exists. Look at Mas Kaesang, this is a potential person," said the Papuan figure.

Meanwhile, Kaesang expressed his gratitude for the advice and hope that Thaha entrusted to him.

"Yes, I am grateful," said Kaesang briefly.

He admitted that there was no problem meeting with a spokesman other than the presidential and vice presidential candidate pair supported by PSI, namely Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

"Yes, it doesn't matter, it's called democracy. We are free," said Kaesang.

Even though Thaha is a spokesman for the paslonAMIN, Kaesang is sure that Thaha, who is familiarly called Abah, will support his party, especially in Papua.

"Abah juru bicara Pak Anies dan Cak Imin, tetapi partai tetap PSI, ya, Bah," kata Kaesang kepada Thaha.

Thahapun responded well to Kaesang's statement.

"Yes, PSI remains," said Thaha replied.

After having a dialogue with Thaha, Kaesang said goodbye and continued his journey to meet Jokowi volunteers, Bara JP, and visited Youtefa Market in Abepura.

Kaesang visited Jayapura from Sunday (26/11) to Monday for a dialogue with religious figures and the consolidation of PSI cadres in Jayapura.

Kaesang also played soccer with former Persipura players, from the 1980s, 1990s, to 2000, at the training ground in Hamadi, Jayapura, Sunday, November 26.