PDI-P Responds to PSI's Claim to Make Central Java Their 'Elephant's Pen'

Said Abdullah, Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), has publicly questioned the Indonesian Solidarity Party's (PSI) assertion that Central Java will become their electoral stronghold. PSI has referred to the region as a potential 'elephant's pen,' a departure from its long-standing reputation as the 'bull's pen' for PDI-P, which has traditionally secured a significant number of votes there.

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Who made this fake news?

Abdullah dismissed the claim as "fake news," questioning the source of the assertion. The ambition for Central Java was articulated by PSI Chairman Kaesang Pangarep during a regional coordination meeting in Solo on January 8, 2026. Pangarep expressed PSI's goal to make Central Java a key voting base for the 2029 elections, urging party members to work towards this objective.

Pangarep stressed the critical importance of a robust party structure, extending down to the lowest levels, as the key to achieving electoral success and passing election verification. "The key to our victory is structure. If the structure is strong, we can achieve absolute victory in Central Java," he stated, emphasizing the need for organizational strengthening.

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Central Java is an elephant's pen. PSI is here for the people of Central Java. Please help us work and move together towards the 2029 election.

The political maneuvering comes as former President Joko Widodo, often referred to as Jokowi, is scheduled to tour Central Java in July. PSI's regional chairman, Antonius Yogo, proposed that Jokowi visit most areas in the province, suggesting PSI aims to align itself with Jokowi's popularity to bolster its own standing. PSI's stated aim is to become a significant force in Central Java, challenging PDI-P's traditional dominance in the region.

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The key to our victory is structure. If the structure is strong, we can achieve absolute victory in Central Java.