18-6-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesian President Joko Widodo, commonly known as Jokowi, has given his approval for his younger son, Kaesang Pangarep, to run for mayor of Depok in West Java in the upcoming 2024 local elections. This move has sparked discussions among analysts about Jokowi’s efforts to secure his political legacy and ensure the continuity of his influence even after his tenure as president comes to an end.
Kaesang Pangarep, a 28-year-old social media celebrity known for his humorous posts, surprised many with his announcement on YouTube on Wednesday. His decision to enter politics follows the footsteps of his elder brother, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is currently serving as the mayor of Solo, and his brother-in-law, Bobby Nasution, who holds the position of Medan mayor.
The president’s family had previously indicated their reluctance to engage in politics, raising questions about Jokowi’s evolving stance. Dr Selamat Ginting, a political analyst from Universitas Nasional, remarked on the president’s shift, stating, “The family in the past said they would not get involved in politics, but now it appears that the president is building a political dynasty. How is he different from past leaders?”
Jokowi has previously denied exerting influence or interfering in his children’s career choices, asserting that everyone has the right to pursue their political aspirations and that the ultimate decision rests with the voters. However, analysts have questioned whether Kaesang’s interest in politics was influenced by his father, as his personality and demeanor do not align with the typical image of a politician.
“Noory Okthariza, a political scientist at the Jakarta-based think-tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies, commented on Kaesang’s unexpected venture into politics, stating, “Kaesang is most improbable as a politician because of his attitude, his character, and how he carries himself. Surely the encouragement to join politics must have come from none other than Jokowi himself.”
Wasisto Raharjo Jati, a political analyst at the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, suggested that Jokowi is personalizing politics through the formation of political clans. As a political outsider without ties to powerful families that have traditionally dominated Indonesia’s government, business, and military, Jokowi has sought to consolidate power around him. This trend of personalization has led incumbent politicians to involve their children in politics as a means to preserve their legacies and secure their influence.
Despite not having his own political party, Jokowi has managed to amass support from seven out of nine parties in the 575-member House of Representatives. Alongside his millions of non-partisan supporters, this gives him significant political leverage to shape the outcomes of the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in February 2024, as well as the regional polls in November 2024. Jokowi has been open about using his political influence, publicly endorsing his preferred successors and engaging in meetings with political parties in recent months.
While there is a natural desire for leaders to leave behind a lasting legacy and ensure continuity in national leadership and development policies, concerns arise when political maneuvering goes against the rules of the political game or the constitution. Dr Selamat emphasized the importance of conducting these activities correctly to maintain fairness and uphold the principles of democracy.
