Political Family: Now President Joko Widodo's Youngest Son Wants to Enter Politics

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep (28), revealed his intention to enter politics. Kaesang Pangarep is following the footsteps of his father, older brother, and brother-in-law who have secured political positions. 

Kaesang's intention to enter politics was announced by his older brother. 

"What we talked about at the dining table, I was surprised too, he openly conveyed the interest in politics," said Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Tuesday. Gibran said that his father was also surprised at Kaesang's intention because previously the family never talked about that topic. 

In President Joko Widodo's family, his eldest son is the mayor of Solo City, meanwhile his son-in-law Bobby Nasution is the mayor of Medan City. Both men are in their early 30s, relatively younger than their predecessors.

Similar to his older brother, Kaesang first tried to become a businessman before showing interest in politics. Despite his youth, Kaesang established multiple businesses, mainly in food and beverage. He also owns a football club in Solo

Kaesang is also famous for his investment skill. In 2020, Kaesang correctly predicted on Twitter that the stocks of a state-owned pharmacy company would "take off". Later on the same day, the government announced the COVID-19 vaccine program, and the pharmacy stocks were going up.

Political parties already showed interest to welcome Kaesang in their ranks. Politicians from Gerindra Party, United Development Party (PPP), and National Mandate Party (PAN) said they would be happy to receive Kaesang.

Of the seven Indonesian presidents, only the famous President Habibie and President Gus Dur who did not start political family.

Former President Megawati Soekarnoputri is the daughter of the first President Soekarno. Megawati's daughter, Puan Maharani, is the current speaker of the Parliament. 

President Soeharto established the "Cendana Family" during the New Order. The six children of Soeharto founded the Berkarya Party in 2016.

The two sons of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) also became politicians. His eldest, Agus Harimukti Yudhoyono (AHY), is currently a potential figure to become a vice presidential candidate.

Outside presidential families, some regions are also having political families. In South Sulawesi, Limpo family has significant influence.

Syahrul Yasin Limpo became regent of Gowa in 1994, and then he became vice governor of South Sulawesi in 2003, and eventually governor of Sulawesi in 2008 until 2018. He is currently the minister for agriculture.

Moreover, his two sisters were elected as members of parliament. Syahrul's younger brother, Ichsan Yasin Lipo, was Regent of Gowa. Now Ichsan's millennial son, Adnan, is the regent of Gowa. 

The most notorious one is the Atut Dynasty in Banten Province. Ratu Atut was the first female governor in Indonesia, and also the first female governor who was jailed for corruption.

Ratu Atut became the deputy governor of Banten in 2002, but replaced her governor in 2005 who faced a corruption case. After that, Ratu Atut won two subsequent gubernatorial elections in Banten.

As Atut rose to power, her family members also won various positions in the province.

Her sister, Ratu Tatu Chasanah became the deputy regent of Serang, and currently the regent. Ratu Atut's stepbrother Tubagus Haerul Jaman became the mayor of Serang City. Her sister-in-law, Airin Rachmi Diany, was the mayor of South Tangerang City. And her stepmother was the deputy regent of Pandeglang.

Ratu Atut was arrested in 2013 in a corruption case and eventually jailed for 7 years. Her younger brother, Airin's husband, was also arrested for corruption. Both were freed in 2022.

Former mayor of Tangerang City, Wahidin Halim, was elected as the governor of Banten after Ratu Atut's term ended. However, Wahidin's deputy governor was Ratu Atut's son.

Wahidin's term ended last year, and the banner of Airin has appeared in Tangerang City to support her as the candidate for the next gubernatorial election in 2024 elections when Indonesia will have general elections for the president, members of parliament, and regional leaders.

Update: Correcting Wahidin Halim's governorship which ended last year and adding explanation about 2024 elections.