Djibril Muhammad, Jakarta – Kaesang Pangarep has a better chance of winning the governorship in Central Java, where his father, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, has a strong support base, than if he contests in Jakarta, an analyst said recently.

Kaesang, 29, entered politics just last year when he joined the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and was soon appointed chairman.

Recent polls indicate that he is the early frontrunner in the Central Java election.

"The Jokowi effect in Central Java could significantly boost Kaesang's electability, despite his youth and limited government experience," said Aisah Putri Budiatri from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

Additionally, there is no incumbent running for Central Java's governorship, giving Kaesang a better starting point than his rivals due to his popularity, she said.

In Jakarta, on the other hand, Kaesang would have to face former populist governor Anies Baswedan, who has confirmed he will seek reelection, Aisah explained.

"The absence of an incumbent or a highly popular rival in Central Java will make it easier for Kaesang to gain support from major political parties," she said.

A gubernatorial candidate must be supported by a party or a coalition of parties with at least 20 percent of seats in the provincial legislature.

Kaesang cannot run as an independent candidate because the registration deadline has passed.

The PSI announced that Kaesang will decide in August whether he will run for governor or vice governor – in Central Java or Jakarta.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/kaesang-advised-to-contest-in-central-java-rather-than-jakart