Jokowi’s Influence Seen Remaining Strong Until 2029 Amid Diploma Case
The influence of Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), is considered likely to remain strong in the national political landscape, despite his no longer being head of state and the disruption caused by the alleged false diploma case.
Political observer Iyyas Subiakto said Jokowi’s influence remained highly significant to the political trajectory of his eldest son, Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
He said that influence could grow further if Jokowi took the position of chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI).
“Very significant, especially if Mr Jokowi becomes PSI chairman,” Iyyas said in a statement on Friday (6 November).
However, Iyyas’s remarks were his view of possible future political developments, not confirmation that Jokowi would lead PSI.
Iyyas said that Jokowi’s involvement in the party’s leadership, if it were to happen, could affect the dynamics of national political competition.
He said Jokowi’s experience and political networks from his time as president remained relevant to the process of leadership succession.
Iyyas also sees the 2029 election as an important moment for a transition between generations and for Indonesia’s political transformation.
“This is a moment of transition between generations and transformation,” he said.
According to Iyyas, a change in the generation of leaders should involve more than a change of individuals; it should also bring renewal in the way the state is governed. This is necessary to ensure that the public interest remains a priority.
He also warned that power secured through elections should not be used to prioritise the interests of particular groups or factions.
“After winning an election or presidential election, they are the people’s employees,” Iyyas said.
The extent of Jokowi’s influence in future politics will therefore depend not only on his position and political networks, but also on how that influence shapes leadership succession ahead of 2029.
The consolidation of political parties, public responses and the performance of figures backed by Jokowi will also help determine the former president’s influence in the national political landscape.