PDIP and Jokowi Exchange Barbs: Latest Developments

PDIP parliamentary faction member Andreas Hugo Pareira has urged 7th President Joko Widodo to present his original diploma to the public during his regional political tours. He stated that questions over Jokowi’s diploma persist among communities in several regions, including East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and that his field visits could serve as an opportunity to directly address public doubts. ‘In NTT, people ask me things like, “Is President Jokowi’s diploma really genuine or fake?” If he visits there, the public can ask him directly,’ Andreas said during a PDIP training session in North Jakarta on Saturday (30 May). NTT is one of three provinces scheduled for Jokowi’s visits starting late June, alongside Lampung and West Sumatra. Despite Jokowi’s return to regional visits, Andreas insisted PDIP is not concerned about the former president’s political influence, asserting the party remains electorally strong. ‘What’s there to worry about? Even when he was President, we won,’ he said. In line with Andreas, PDIP Central Leadership Council Ideology Head Djarot Saiful Hidayat also called for the diploma controversy to end by the president presenting the original documents to the public. ‘He must explain and show the documents so the public is certain it’s genuine. Just present the diploma,’ Djarot said. Political analyst Adi Prayitno, director of Parameter Politics Indonesia, noted the remarks indicate PDIP’s continued political intent towards Jokowi. He explained that Jokowi’s long-standing relationship with PDIP means any issue concerning him is almost always responded to by the party. ‘Whenever Jokowi is discussed, it’s inevitably linked to PDIP due to their long history together—from his time as Solo mayor, Jakarta governor, to two-term president,’ Adi stated on Sunday (31 May). Adi observed that the political split between Jokowi and PDIP has made their relationship dynamics inseparable from public mutual taunts and responses. ‘This is one of today’s political realities. When Jokowi is mentioned, PDIP responds, and PSI always steps in to defend him,’ he said. Previously, PSI Central Leadership Council Political Affairs Head Bestari Barus revealed Jokowi will visit various regions to meet citizens, volunteers, and PSI officials. ‘He will visit those who have interacted with him across regions, including stopping by PSI provincial branches to offer motivation,’ he added.