As Kaesang Pangarep constitutionally barred to run, Gerindra Party officially announced Ahmad Luthfi and Taj Yasin Maimoen as their pair of candidates for the Central Java gubernatorial election.
Kaesang, the youngest son of President Joko Widodo, cannot contest the 2024 Central Java gubernatorial election after the House of Representatives (DPR) decided to comply with the Constitutional Court’s (MK) ruling regarding the minimum age requirement for regional head candidates. Kaesang does not meet the minimum age of 30 years old at the time of registration.
Previously, Kaesang had started the process to obtain a clearance letter from the South Jakarta District Court as part of his preparation to run for deputy governor in the Central Java election.
However, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Executive Chairman of the Gerindra Party, stated that while Kaesang was considered, the party ultimately decided to endorse Ahmad Luthfi and Taj Yasin Maimoen.
According to Ahmad Luthfi, the decision was purely a political one and was determined by the supporting political parties.
“There is no other reason; it’s just a matter of political dynamics,” Luthfi said.
Sufmi Dasco also mentioned that Kaesang is currently abroad and will not participate in the registration stages for regional head candidates, which begins on August 27, as set by the General Elections Commission (KPU).
This further confirms that Kaesang will not be a candidate in this year’s regional elections.
Kaesang’s chance to run in the Central Java election briefly resurfaced when the House’s Legislation Body (Baleg) proposed a revision of the Regional Election Law that would calculate the age requirement from the time of inauguration, aligning with a Supreme Court ruling.
However, after massive protests against the DPR’s move to disregard the Constitutional Court’s decision, the revision’s approval was ultimately canceled.
Ahmad Luthfi and Taj Yasin are scheduled to register as candidates for governor and deputy governor on August 29, 2024.
