Jokowi, PSI, and Didit Prabowo: Unpacking the Political Message After the Meeting

Through the PSI, Jokowi has called on his sympathisers to support the Prabowo-Gibran pair to return for a second term. This was conveyed by PSI DPP Chairman Bestari Barus after visiting the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia’s residence on Thursday (18/6). According to him, this also answers rumours that Jokowi wanted to re-emerge as a political force by conducting a political safari around Indonesia. “He told us that we were asked to escort Mr Prabowo-Gibran, even for two periods. So there is no slander about there being two suns. How can there be two suns? It’s nonsense,” said Bestari. The presence of President Prabowo Subianto’s son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo or Didit Prabowo, on that occasion, was cited by Bestari as dispelling the assumption of a strained relationship between Prabowo and Jokowi. He also believes that the results of his 30-minute meeting with Jokowi will reach his father’s ears. “So it’s not a feud as people describe, ‘oh it will be like this later’, no. This is also proof, I also believe that Mas Didit’s presence earlier will certainly lead to a conversation at the dinner table that can be conveyed to Mr Prabowo,” he said.