DEPOK – Kaesang Pangarep’s plan to advance in the Depok City Local Election (Pilkada) in the 2024 Election was also highlighted by Universitas Indonesia (UI) Political Observer, Cecep Hidayat.
First, he considered it is indeed the right of all citizens to advance in Pilkada. But why is Kaesang suddenly interested in the city of Depok?
Second, the one that encouraged Kaesang to advance was the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI). What’s going on with PSI? Do they hope that there will be an electoral effect from Kaesang on the votes for PSI?
“Although the legislative election for Depok Regency Council will be held in February, the Local Election was planned to be held in November by the General Election Committee (KPU). With the current socialization process, it can also raise the possibility of votes from PSI,” said Cecep to Radar Depok.
Then in the future, Kaesang’s advancement needs to be observed in regards to who will carry it. This is because Kaesang is mainly known as a businessman despite coming from a family of politicians.
“His father, older brother, and also his brother-in-law have previously become heads of regions and also president. So, of course, when he wants to run for the Local Election, it must be observed why Kaesang’s goal is to advance in this Local Election,” said Cecep.
He said, does Kaesang really want to build upon Depok or is he interested in Depok after seeing what his brother, father and brother-in-law were doing? Cecep said that Kaesang need to explain this to the public.
“Why did he choose Depok? Why, for example, not choosing areas where he is known, such as Surakarta, Sleman and other Central Java?” he said.
Not only that, Cecep said, if Kaesang runs in the Local Election for Depok, he, as part of the president’s extended family, would certainly have qualified logistical resources to support him.
This logistical resource will spread to other supports. Moreover, he is also known as an activist on social media, whether it’s on Youtube, his own podcast, or even on Twitter and Instagram.
“This is in line with millennials as well as can be monitored by them as the youth voters in Depok. What’s more, the number of youth voters in Depok is more than 50% of the citizens, and they are also active users of social media,” explained Cecep.
This, according to him, will be the electoral basis from Kaesang himself.
As for the downside, said Cecep, it might be Kaesang’s lack of experience as a public official that knows how to serve society, considering that he has only been a businessman so far.
Cecep said, if we want to vote on public officials, we can consider 3 things. First, what were their previous achievements when he was a public official, then their vision and mission in developing the region.
This track record can then be observed by related voters..
“Another plus point, when Kaesang wants to run, he becomes part of the big PDIP family or a candidate from PDIP; one family and one party. It will be ensured that even if he advances in the Local Election, PDIP will support him,” said Cecep.
Cecep also said, Gerindra will be welcome if Kaesang plans to advance. Golkar also shared the same sentiment, and PSI is certainly the first to take the initiative.
“With the great support of the three big party machines PDIP, Gerindra and Golkar, it is already working. It’s just a matter of how active he is on social media,” said Cecep.
When asked if Kaesang actually runs, what are his chances in the Depok Local Election?
Cecep said, maybe he could conduct a survey on people’s opinions regarding the current leader’s performance, expressing satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
“If you are not satisfied with the current government’s performance, the Depok City Government, which has been led by PKS for almost 2 decades, can be replaced by a new figure,” said Cecep.
If Kaesang can be that figure then he could have a good chance in the Depok Local Election.
“In addition, his chances are good because it is supported by qualified logistical resources, and he is known as an active social activist. With the majority of Depok voters being young people, this is also an opportunity,” he concluded. ***
This article has also been published on Radar Depok:
