27-8-2024 (JAKARTA) President Joko Widodo’s aspirations to establish a political dynasty in Indonesia have encountered a significant setback as his younger son, Kaesang Pangarep, has been disqualified from participating in the upcoming November regional elections due to age restrictions.
At 29 years old, Mr Kaesang falls short of the minimum age requirement of 30 for candidate registration, which is scheduled to take place between 27 and 29 August. This development comes amidst a storm of public criticism directed at the President’s son and his wife, Erina Gudono, following their recent trip to the United States.
The couple drew widespread ire after sharing videos and photos of their journey to the University of Pennsylvania, where Ms Gudono is set to pursue a master’s degree at the School of Social Policy and Practice on a scholarship. Their use of a private jet for the trip, juxtaposed against the backdrop of violent street protests in Indonesia, sparked outrage among citizens.
Beredar sebuah video di media sosial menunjukkan sosok diduga Kaesang Pangarep dan Erina Gudono turun dari jet pribadi Gulfstream G650ER. Berdasarkan narasi yang beredar, private jet itu landing di Bandara Adi Soemarmo, Solo.
Gempa kenceng peringatandarurat mulyono airin pic.twitter.com/nIKkIpZ58v
— Newest Indonesia (@newestindo) August 27, 2024
Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, were inundated with critical comments directed at the couple. The private jet quickly became a topic of intense discussion, with users on X (formerly Twitter) speculating about its ownership. While initial reports linked the aircraft – a Gulfstream G650ER – to Garena, the gaming arm of Singapore-based Sea, subsequent checks revealed its current ownership by a trustee of the Bank of Utah.
The couple’s perceived ostentatious lifestyle further fueled public discontent. Ms Gudono’s Instagram posts, showcasing expensive purchases such as a 400,000 rupiah (S$33.80) lobster roll in Los Angeles and a baby stroller costing approximately 21 million rupiah (S$1,770), drew sharp criticism from Indonesians grappling with economic challenges.
Comments flooded the couple’s social media accounts, with many expressing disappointment and accusing the President’s family of hypocrisy. Some users drew parallels to Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, known for her perceived disconnect from the common people’s struggles.
Political analysts view Mr Kaesang’s disqualification from the November elections as a significant blow to President Widodo’s ambitions. Dr Djayadi Hanan, a prominent political analyst, told The Straits Times that this setback might mark the end of the President’s dynasty-building efforts before they truly began.
The President already has two family members in positions of power: his elder son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as the incoming Vice-President, and son-in-law Bobby Nasution contesting for the governorship of North Sumatra. Dr Djayadi suggests that Mr Widodo may need to reassess his strategy in light of the recent developments.
The public’s reaction to Mr Widodo’s attempts to secure his younger son’s place on the ballot has been overwhelmingly negative. This backlash could potentially shake the President’s confidence in establishing a political dynasty, according to Dr Djayadi.
Recent protests across Indonesia, including demonstrations in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Semarang, have seen thousands of citizens rallying against a controversial Bill that would limit electoral participation to candidates backed by Mr Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto.
