3-7-2024 (JAKARTA) The General Election Commission (KPU) has announced a revision to the age requirements for gubernatorial candidates. The new regulation stipulates that candidates must be at least 30 years old by the inauguration date of election winners, rather than at the time of nomination.
This adjustment marks a departure from the previous rule, which required candidates to meet the age threshold at the point of nomination. For mayoral and regent positions, the minimum age has been set at 25 years.
The revised regulation introduces a degree of flexibility, allowing individuals to throw their hats into the ring even if they fall short of the age requirement during the nomination period. However, successful candidates must reach the stipulated age by the time they take office.
This change in policy has sparked considerable interest, particularly due to its potential impact on the political ambitions of Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. Born on 25 December 1994, Kaesang will now be eligible to contest in the upcoming gubernatorial elections scheduled for November this year, as he will meet the age requirement by the time of inauguration on 1 January 2025.
Kaesang, an alumnus of Singapore University of Social Sciences, has been the subject of intense speculation regarding his political aspirations. Reports suggest he may set his sights on the governorship of either Central Java or Jakarta. Recent polls have indicated strong support for Kaesang in Central Java, where he currently leads in gubernatorial surveys.
The Jakarta gubernatorial race is shaping up to be particularly intriguing, with former presidential candidate Anies Baswedan hinting at his potential participation. This could set the stage for a high-profile contest, especially considering Anies’s recent presidential race against Kaesang’s older brother, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
