PDIP Accuses PSI of Electoral Clout-Chasing

PDIP Central Board Chairman Deddy Sitorus responded to PSI Central Board Chairman Bestari Barus, who had expressed surprise that PDIP continues to comment on 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) despite him no longer being a cadre. Deddy assessed that PSI is merely busy dragging PDIP into matters. “It feels like we never hear PSI’s voice criticising public issues; they are just busy dragging PDI Perjuangan into it. The public is tired of PSI’s gimmicks,” Deddy told reporters on Sunday (5/7/2026). Deddy believes PSI more often makes sensational statements. He is waiting for PSI’s critical voice on public issues. “Enough, the public also knows they are just creating sensations for electoral clout-chasing,” he said. “We are waiting for their voice on student demands, the Kuansing Regent bribery case, and other issues related to the people,” he continued.

Meanwhile, PDIP politician Guntur Romli responded to PSI’s readiness to assure Jokowi that Central Java would become a ‘bull’s pen’. Guntur assessed that PSI need not be too arrogant. “PSI should not be too arrogant. Jokowi being forced to tour means PSI is very weak. If PSI were strong, Jokowi would surely just be resting and relaxing. This political safari is also a diversion from the issue of the PSI Secretary-General who admitted to receiving money from the Kuansing Regent, which was only returned 10 days later,” Guntur told reporters on Sunday (5/7). “The KPK must not be selective; why did it take 10 days to return it? That does not nullify the criminal act. Also, regarding PSI Daily Chairman Ahmad Ali, whose house has been searched and billions of rupiah seized, but until now he remains safe,” he added. Guntur assessed that PSI’s statement regarding political targets in Central Java need not be worried about. He said PSI’s achievements in the 2024 General Election have not yet shown significant strength. “That is just a form of arrogance, not a statement that needs to be responded to, let alone worried about. If PSI were the number two political party in 2024, then saying they want to seize the bull’s pen would be more logical,” he said. “PSI in 2024 even failed to enter parliament, despite being fully supported by Jokowi who was still president at the time, with the tagline ‘PSI Jokowi’s Party’, putting Jokowi’s photo on all billboards. Even as president, Jokowi failed to get PSI through, let alone now that he is no longer president. PSI should not be arrogant,” he added.

Previously, Bestari Barus expressed surprise that PDIP continuously comments on Jokowi despite him no longer being a cadre. Bestari was responding to comments by PDIP Central Board Chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira, who asked Jokowi to bring his diplomas during his safari. “Yes, please understand. I am also surprised. Why do these PDIP members of the Indonesian House of Representatives prefer to comment on PSI and Mr Jokowi rather than work for the people? And how many council members are there, Hugua, Deddy Sitorus? Does PDIP have no other work?” Bestari said when contacted by reporters on Saturday (4/7). Bestari touched on PDIP having expelled Jokowi as a cadre, yet they still continue to comment on him. “Besides commenting on someone they claim to have expelled from PDIP, saying they no longer care but it’s a lie. And the general public sees it as just clowning around, this PDI Perjuangan party,” he said. “They are increasingly becoming clowns. Yes, just accept it as them making noise to appear as if they have something to say. We no longer expect them to comment. Right? What they convey is also strange,” he continued.