Facts Behind Jokowi's Return to Blusukan, Starting in Lampung with a PSI Cap
Indonesia’s seventh President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), has officially returned to the practical political arena following the end of his term in October 2024. Jokowi’s comeback involves ‘blusukan’ (field visits) to various regions, a method he famously utilised during his presidency.
On this occasion, he is appearing on behalf of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), led by his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep. The province of Lampung was the first region he visited alongside PSI volunteers and members.
For PSI
Jokowi stated that his presence in the province, known as the ‘Gateway to Sumatra’, was driven by his commitment to PSI. “Why have I come to Lampung Province? Why have I come to Mesuji Regency? Firstly, my love for the people of Lampung has not faded; it remains,” he said during the Regional Coordination Meeting (Rakorda) of the PSI DPD in Mesuju, Lampung, on Friday evening (26/6).
“And secondly, and more importantly, it is also for PSI,” he added.
The Primary Reason for Lampung
Jokowi explained that Lampung was chosen as the first province to visit because PSI has almost completed 100 per cent of its party structure down to the village level there. “I want to provide high appreciation, recognition, and respect to the General Chairperson, the Regional Chair, the Regency Chair, and the entire hierarchy who have completed the party structure down to the village level. In other areas, I see it is still at 60 or 40 per cent, but here it is almost 100 per cent,” said the father of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
During the event, Jokowi urged the PSI Mesuji DPD to ensure that the structures established in the villages remain active and serve the community. “Next is to make that structure live and work. What does ‘live and work’ mean? It means the management must always be close to the people, not just during elections, but in their daily lives. For example, when there is a death, attend the condolences. When there are religious gatherings, attend. When there are weddings, attend to offer congratulations. Whatever problems arise in Mesuji Regency, be there to assist and help resolve them,” he continued.
Three Days in Lampung
During this visit, Jokowi set a target for PSI to enter the House of Representatives (DPR) in the 2029 Legislative Election. Jokowi’s itinerary in Lampung spans three days, from Friday (26/6) to Sunday (28/6). His visits include Mesuji, West Tulangbawang, Pesawaran, Bandar Lampung, and East Lampung.
PSI Jacket and Cap from Kaesang
Jokowi flew from his hometown, Solo, Central Java, on Friday morning. At Adi Soemarmo Airport, Jokowi was seen wearing a shirt and a white cap featuring the PSI logo. He mentioned that the attire was a gift from his youngest son, who also serves as the General Chairperson of PSI, Kaesang Pangarep. “Yes, it was sent by Chairman Kaesang, so I am wearing it,” Jokowi said at the Solo airport.
Jokowi is conducting these field visits with PSI to meet with citizens. Following Lampung, his initial tour is expected to include West Java and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). “The event rundown has been prepared; everything for the volunteers and PSI is already packed,” he said.
Aiming to Warm Up PSI’s Political Engine
He stated that his presence at PSI events is to serve as a motivator for the cadres of the party led by Kaesang. Specifically, Jokowi will emphasise the importance of strengthening the party’s management structure to prepare for the 2029 Elections. “For PSI, I want to provide motivation and then deliver important messages regarding the necessity of completing the structural hierarchy in PSI, so that it becomes a large political engine,” said Jokowi.