Septia Ryanthie, Jakarta – Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka refused to comment on the Supreme Court's decision which alters the age requirement for candidates in the 2024 regional elections.
This ruling has drawn public scrutiny for its potential to perpetuate the political dynasty of President Joko Widodo or Jokowi.
"I already answered it yesterday when I was in Balekambang (Taman Balekambang Solo), right?" Gibran said briefly at the Solo City Hall, Central Java, after the closing ceremony of the Solo Great Sale 2024 on Sunday evening, June 2, 2024.
Previously, Gibran said the Court's decision created opportunities for young people to compete in the regional head elections (Pilkada). "It's now wide open to everyone," he said on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
The Supreme Court's decision allows Gibran's youngest brother, Kaesang Pangarep, to run in the 2024 regional elections as the age limit issue no longer hinders him. Gibran was tight-lipped when asked about the possibility of his brother registering for the race. "Ask Kaesang. The decision is up to Kaesang," the eldest son of President Jokowi or Jokowi said briefly.
The Supreme Court's ruling No. 23 P/HUM/2024 mandated the General Elections Commission (KPU) to revoke the age limit requirement in the KPU's Regulations for regional head nominations. The Court instructed the KPU to change the minimum age requirement to 30 years from the date of the candidate's inauguration, rather than from the date of the candidate's determination.
Kaesang, Jokowi's youngest son, benefited from the decision. The General Chair of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) was born on December 25, 1994, so he was not yet 30 years old when he registered. With this decision, Kaesang can become a candidate for governor or deputy governor.
Moreover, at the same time, the Gerindra Party would propose Budisatrio Djiwandono and Kaesang Pangarep to run in the 2024 Jakarta Regional Election, as the party's Central Executive Board chairman, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, posted the banner of their candidacy on his personal Instagram on Wednesday, May 29. "Budisatrio Djiwandono – Kaesang Pangarep For Jakarta 2024," wrote Dasco.