Jokowi's National Tour: Unpacking the Data Behind PSI's Electoral Strategy

Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo is set to tour the country shortly. Bestari Barus, chairman of PSI’s Central Executive Board, said the former Solo mayor will begin his journey in Lampung, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and West Java. Many suspect his tour aims to boost PSI’s votes ahead of the 2029 general election – still around three years away.

Charta Politika Indonesia’s executive director Yunarto Wijaya suggested Jokowi’s movements are likely calculated, acting based on data regarding PSI’s strength that he possesses. “From what I know, Jokowi has always been data-driven when making moves or policies as president. I believe he is aware of certain data indicating he must take action,” Yunarto told Kompas.com on Thursday (28 May 2026).

Yunarto noted that Jokowi recognises PSI’s current strength is far weaker than his own. The party remains heavily reliant on his stature as former president. Meanwhile, the names of his eldest son Gibran Rakabuming, now vice-president, and youngest son Kaesang Pangarep, current PSI chairman, are insufficient electoral magnets to elevate PSI’s profile. Thus, it is unsurprising Jokowi has decided to take action, attempting to improve PSI’s voter support. PSI aims to surpass the parliamentary threshold in the 2029 election.