Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of ex Indonesian President Joko Widodo, broke down in tears as he shared how his newborn daughter, Bebingah Sang Tansahayu, became the target of online abuse shortly after her birth. During a YouTube podcast interview on Depan Pintu on Monday (October 21, 2024), Kaesang revealed the emotional toll that hateful comments have taken on his family.
Despite his efforts to stay composed, Kaesang admitted that the cruel comments directed at his wife, Erina Gudono, were painful but somewhat expected, given his involvement in politics.
“Erina is aware that this is the risk she has to face when her husband enters politics. She’s been prepared for it,” Kaesang stated during the interview.
However, the abuse became unbearable for Kaesang when hateful comments targeted their newborn daughter. Struggling to hold back tears, he confessed.
“There were some people who wished ill upon our child. I can’t handle it when it comes to my daughter,” he said while wiping away tears with a tissue.
Kaesang, visibly emotional, apologized to the podcast hosts and audience for breaking down. “Sorry, sorry,” he repeated as he tried to compose himself.
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The online hate toward Kaesang’s family escalated after his potential candidacy in local elections, with his wife, Erina, becoming a frequent target. Erina faced criticism for sharing her purchase of a Rp400,000 loaf of bread on Instagram and later for posting about her trip to the United States on a private jet. The harassment worsened when Erina was subjected to body-shaming comments about her personal appearance.
Despite the relentless bullying, Kaesang emphasized that while he and Erina have grown thick-skinned toward such comments, they are fiercely protective of their daughter and struggle to accept the harsh words directed at her.
(Becky)
