Jokowi Returns to Politics, Campaigns for PSI in Lampung

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has returned to the political stage following the end of his term in late 2024. His comeback involves visiting various regions, a style reminiscent of his approach while in office, this time in support of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), which is led by his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep. Lampung was the first province he visited alongside volunteers and party members. Jokowi stated that his presence in the province, known as the ‘Gateway to Sumatra’, was for PSI. ‘Why did I come to Lampung Province? Why did I come to Mesuji Regency? Firstly, my love for the people of Lampung has not faded. And secondly, more importantly, for PSI!’ he said during a PSI Regional Representative Council (DPD) coordination meeting in Mesuji Regency, Lampung, on Friday evening. Jokowi explained that Lampung was chosen as the first province to visit primarily because PSI there has almost completed its party structure down to the village level. ‘I want to give the highest appreciation and respect to the General Chairman, the Provincial Executive Board, and the Regency Executive Board along with all their staff who have completed the party structure down to the village level. In other areas, I see it is still at 60 or 40 percent, but here it is almost 100 percent,’ continued Jokowi, who is also the father of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. On this occasion, Jokowi advised the Mesuji DPD to ensure that the party structures established in the villages are active and work for the community. ‘The next step is to make that structure alive and working. What does that mean? It means that you, the administrators, must always be close to the community, not just during elections, but daily, you must be close to people’s lives,’ Jokowi said. ‘For example, when there is a death, go and offer condolences. When there is a tahlilan, attend. When there is a yasinan, be present. When there is a wedding, come and give congratulations. If there is a problem in Mesuji Regency, you can help assist and resolve it,’ he added. Jokowi also set a target for PSI to secure seats in the national parliament in the 2029 Legislative Election. He is spending three days in Lampung, from Friday to Sunday, visiting several areas including Mesuji, Tulangbawang Barat, Pesawaran, Bandar Lampung, and Lampung Timur.