Jokowi Urges Support for Prabowo-Gibran for Two Terms, PDIP Scoffs: 'Does Prabowo Even Want That?'

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) executive Deddy Sitorus has responded to former President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) request for the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) to support the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for two terms. Deddy assessed that the issue was more of an effort to attract public attention than to build the party.

“This is a way to attract public sympathy, PSI does tend to do that. They don’t build their party, but rather hitch a ride. For example, by attacking PDIP, they become the topic of public discussion,” Deddy said at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (23/6/2026). “Now, by bringing up the issue of two terms for Prabowo-Gibran, the hope is that attention will be drawn to PSI.”

Deddy then questioned whether Prabowo had actually stated his desire to run again with Gibran in the 2029 Presidential Election. He suggested that PSI should ask Prabowo first. “My question is, is Pak Prabowo really certain he wants to? Ask first before campaigning for it,” he stated.

Furthermore, Deddy believes discussions about the 2029 election are still too early. He argued that the government should focus more on resolving the various societal issues currently emerging. “The election is still a long way off. Address the people’s problems first. What is the follow-up to the student demands? Deal with that first, don’t jump straight to the election. This government is already struggling, yet it’s thinking about the 2029 election. It’s so impatient,” he said.

The directive from Jokowi was conveyed by PSI DPP Chair Bestari Barus. Bestari reportedly met Jokowi in Solo on Thursday morning (18/6). “To us, he said that we are asked to support Pak Prabowo-Gibran, even, even for two terms. So there is no slander about there being two suns. How can there be two suns? That’s nonsense,” Bestari told reporters on Friday (18/6).

Bestari said Jokowi reminded them to maintain harmony and support the current Prabowo-Gibran administration. “He also entrusted me with a message to maintain internal harmony. And also to remind friends everywhere to support the Pak Prabowo-Gibran administration, what else is there to talk about with two suns,” he said.