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Politics
22 March 2025

Annisa Mahesa, Youngest DPR RI Member, Faces Controversy

The emerging politician navigates scrutiny linked to her social media presence while building on a significant family legacy.

In a rapidly changing political landscape, Annisa Mahesa has emerged as a significant figure. At just 23 years of age, she is the youngest member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR RI), a position she has garnered through determination and a family legacy. Annisa has recently captivated public attention, both for her electoral success and for being embroiled in a controversy related to a social media account.

Annisa Mahesa is currently under scrutiny as she has been linked to the social media account on platform X named @buttiercup, which allegedly contains lewd and inappropriate tweets. Despite the growing speculation around this account, Annisa has yet to provide any clarification regarding her involvement. As reported by TribunKaltim, "Annisa Mahesa did not clarify her connection to the controversial X account and remains a topic of discussion in various forums across social media." This situation has not only sparked discussions about her actions but also about the expectations placed on public figures, particularly those as young as Annisa.

Beyond the controversy, Annisa is the daughter of the late Desmond J Mahesa, a prominent politician who served as a member of the DPR-RI from 2009 until his passing in 2023. Desmond was known for his roles, including Chairman of the DPP Partai Gerindra from 2008 to 2013. His political legacy undoubtedly paved the way for Annisa’s own ascent in the political sphere.

Annisa's journey to the seat in Senayan was marked by her impressive performance in the 2024 legislative elections, where she claimed 122,470 votes. She successfully defeated established politicians such as Jazuli Juwaini, the Chairman of the PKS faction in the DPR, and Tubagus Haerul Jaman, a notable figure in the commission from the previous term. As noted by Kompas.com, "Annisa secured 122,470 votes to enter Senayan, marking a significant milestone in her political career." Her victory reflects not only her appeal but also the changing tide in Indonesia’s political climate, where younger representatives are increasingly taking the stage.

Her educational background further contributes to her credentials. Annisa is a graduate of Universitas Indonesia and the University of Melbourne, holding dual bachelor’s degrees in management from these prestigious institutions. This blend of local and international education positions her as a well-rounded candidate capable of navigating the complexities of modern governance.

On the financial front, Annisa Mahesa's assets have also made headlines. Her total wealth is reported to be around Rp5,870,445,000, which positions her among the wealthier individuals in her cohort. Her movable assets alone amount to Rp536,500,000, reflecting a level of success that might raise eyebrows given her relatively short career span thus far.

As Annisa Mahesa charts her course in the Indonesian political landscape, she is not only representing her party, Gerindra, but also the expectations of a younger generation seeking to redefine political engagement. The controversies surrounding her personal life and the scrutiny of her background are undoubtedly significant hurdles; however, they also represent the challenges that many emerging leaders face today.

As she moves forward, the public will be watching closely. Annisa's ability to navigate her position, clarify the allegations connected to her online presence, and uphold her family's political legacy will likely determine her success in this dynamic environment. Whether she can redefine the narrative surrounding her and emerge as a model of integrity in the political arena remains to be seen. Nonetheless, Annisa Mahesa's journey is just beginning, and it promises to be anything but ordinary.