Indonesia's 2024 election heats up with celebrity influx

INDONESIA's upcoming Feb 14 Presidential Election promises a unique blend of familiar faces and fresh perspectives, with established politicians like Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar Pranowo, and Anies Baswedan joined by celebrities seeking to leverage their star power.

This high-stakes election, drawing votes from over 200 million people, reflects the nation's fourth-largest population and increasing focus on youth engagement.

Several entertainment figures are making waves, trading red carpets for political rallies.

Pasha Ungu

Ungu, the Indonesian rock band, holds a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a cherished companion through the rollercoaster ride of teenage years.

Their songs, particularly the well-known "Cinta Dalam Hati," have struck a chord with listeners of all ages and have become classics.

Meet Pasha Ungu, a familiar face in the Indonesian music scene who is now stepping into the political spotlight.

Pasha, well-known for being the lead singer of the band Ungu, decided to enter the political sphere to give his life a new beat.

Beyond the political speculations, Pasha Ungu, whose real name is Sigit Purnomo Syamsuddin, has been an active figure in the music and entertainment industry.

Before his foray into politics, he was the voice behind Ungu's melodies, earning him recognition and fame.

Pasha's political career has continued since he made his debut in 2015 as Palu's mayoral candidate Hidayat's running mate.

The Central Jakarta Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) called him in 2023 as a candidate for the National Mandate Party (PAN), showcasing his growing involvement in the political arena.

Now, Pasha is gearing up for the 2024 Indonesian general election, representing the PAN.

His previous participation as a legislative candidate has fueled speculations about a potential run for the Governor of DKI Jakarta.

Adelia Pasha, Pasha's wife, is also involved in politics and is running in the 2024 West Jakarta Regional Representative Council Election, which brings a personal touch to the political scene.

The political debut of this power couple is reminiscent of the prominent role that celebrities play in Indonesian politics.

Inspired by a desire to support the nation's progress, Pasha entered politics in 2015 as a legislative candidate with the United Development Party (PPP).

All the Ungu members supported his decision, showing his dedication to changing the world.

As Pasha prepares to compete in the 2024 general election on behalf of PAN in the Jakarta electoral district (Dapil) 3 of the Regional Representative Council (DPR RI), the drama of his personal life continues to develop in the broader context of Indonesian politics.

Once Dewa

Get ready for a new kind of performance as Elfonda Mekel, popularly known as Once and the former lead singer of Dewa 19, throws his hat into the political ring for the upcoming Indonesian general election in February.

It's a first-time gig for Once in the political arena, joining around 80 other celebrities aiming to bring their star power to the national parliament.

Running for a seat in Jakarta under the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Once believes he can make a meaningful contribution to Indonesia's development.

Shifting his focus to crucial issues like poverty, unemployment, healthcare, and social assistance, Once aims to address areas he feels are often overlooked by the government.

In his own words, "I don't agree with just relying on popularity." Once is not just riding the wave of fame; he's bringing a dedication to societal issues.

As a candidate for PDI-P, Once stands alongside presidential and vice-presidential hopefuls Ganjar and Mahfud MD.

Once, also a law graduate from the University of Indonesia, brings more than just a melodic voice to the table.

This first-time political contender is set to face off against 124 other candidates in the DKI Jakarta II area, creating a competitive landscape that includes fellow celebrities, former ministers, academics, and political party leaders.

The stage is set, and Once is ready for this new and challenging performance in the political spotlight.

Melly Goeslaw

Known by her stage name Melly Goeslaw, Melliana Cessy Goeslaw is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, composer, producer, and writer who has gained recognition in her career.

Melly, who is well-known for her influential works, such as the well-known "Ketika Cinta Bertasbih," entered the political sphere in 2023.

Melly made a bold move when she became a member of the Gerindra Party and was selected as the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (DPR RI) legislative candidate from the West Java I electoral district (Dapil).

Her professional trajectory has changed, which is indicative of the growing influence of powerful individuals in Indonesian politics.

Melly, accompanied by fellow artist Ahmad Dhani, was endorsed by the Gerindra Party to run for legislature (bacaleg) in the 2024 general elections. Melly Goeslaw, the wife of musician Anto Hoed, is scheduled to run for office in the West Java I electoral district (dapil), which includes the cities of Bandung and Cimahi.

With this, Melly steps into the political sphere for the first time, welcoming every new chapter in her life and conveying her awe at different facets of the political panorama.

Melly brings a melodic note to the political conversation in West Java I as she sets off on this thrilling adventure as a legislative candidate for the Indonesian Parliament.

Rano Karno

After starting his career with a prominent role as Malin in the classic Indonesian film "Malin Kundang" (1971), Rano Karno's varied career has now taken him into the political sphere.

Rano decided to enter the political race and will run as a legislative candidate (caleg) in the 2024 general election, serving as the electoral district representative for Banten III.

In addition to running for president, he actively engages in campaign activities and offers support to Ganjar, the PDIP candidate, in the 2024 presidential election.

Rano has been involved in politics before.

In 2017, he ran for governor of Banten during concurrent regional elections, but he was not successful.

Rano also received the most votes from the PDI-P in Banten at the 2019 General Election.

He is still a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and has the party's support for the Banten Gubernatorial Election as he prepares for the 2024 General Election.

Rano's journey extends beyond the political sphere; his tenure as Governor of Banten from 2014 to 2017 is a testament to his development from a prosperous acting career to a significant political figure.

His achievements are further highlighted by his positions as Vice Governor, Deputy Regent of Tangerang, and even a DPR RI member.

Notably, Rano has demonstrated his dedication to numerous political and social concerns by accepting the position of Unicef Goodwill Ambassador.