Between PSI and JK After Ade Armando's Resignation
Ade Armando has resigned from the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) as a result of police reports against him by 40 Islamic civil society organisations (ormas) related to the alleged editing of speeches by the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla (JK). What is the relationship between PSI and JK in the wake of the Ade Armando case?
As is known, Ade’s resignation as a PSI cadre was announced during a press conference with PSI Daily Chairman Ahmad Ali at the PSI central board office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (5/5). Ade explained the reasons for his resignation from the party with the elephant logo, stating that the attacks against him have now spread widely.
“Through this press conference, I am announcing my resignation from PSI, yes. There is no conflict between me and PSI, but I am resigning for what I believe is the common good,” said Ade.
Response from JK’s Spokesperson
Jusuf Kalla’s spokesperson, Husain Abdullah, commented on the Ade Armando case. He hopes this matter serves as a lesson for everyone.
According to him, the practices carried out by Ade Armando and others should no longer be done. “This is a lesson for anyone. Not just for Ade Armando. Practices of public deception like that, resembling agitation and propaganda aimed at steering misguided opinions, for character assassination against someone, should be stopped,” he said.
He stated that JK’s image, long known as a peace broker, was framed in such a way by Ade Armando. According to him, the destructive impact caused by Ade Armando and others is highly damaging.
“Imagine how someone who has long been nicknamed the Peace Broker like Mr JK, is framed as blaspheming religion, causing uproar. Whereas what Mr JK has fought for over the years is to maintain tolerance, harmony, and peace. The destructive power is excessive. He seems to be trying to erase the legacy and social investment that Mr JK has built over the years,” he emphasised.
Ade Armando immediately responded to Husain’s statement. Ade questioned what could be learned from the case.
“What can be learned from my case?” said Ade Armando when contacted.
PSI: Relations Not Damaged
PSI Central Board Chair Bestari Barus stated that there are no damaged relations between PSI and JK. She also mentioned that Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had previously partnered with JK.
“PSI has even never directly interacted with Mr JK. I think there are no damaged relations between PSI and Mr JK. Our Daily Chairman (Ahmad Ali) is friends with Mr JK. Mr Jokowi was also together with Mr JK for five years as President and Vice President, and during that journey, everything was fine,” she said.
Bestari stated that there are no matters that can be linked to what has happened recently. According to her, PSI is just a small party.
“There is no confrontation whatsoever that can be linked, and whether this is due to less harmonious relations between PSI and Mr JK. What is PSI, just a small party, while Mr JK is a big figure. How could Mr JK have issues with PSI? No,” she remarked.
Therefore, she emphasised that what Ade Armando and others did is not related to PSI. “If there are issues related to certain individuals or certain people or certain individuals, I think that is a personal matter that cannot be directly linked to PSI or become PSI’s policy,” she added.