PDIP and PSI Clash Again, This Time Over 'Elephant Pen' Claim in Central Java

The polemic between the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and PDI Perjuangan continues. The two parties are now arguing over the matter of ‘elephant territory’ in Central Java.

As is well known, under the leadership of Kaesang Pangarep, PSI promotes its party using the elephant symbol. Meanwhile, Central Java is frequently known as the ‘bull territory’, a nickname for the region with the highest vote count held by PDIP.

PSI is now prepared to demonstrate to Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), that Central Java is ‘elephant territory’. This follows plans for Jokowi’s political safari, which is set to continue in Central Java.

“We are immediately awaiting the schedule from Bapak for the dates. Clearly, our task today is to prepare for Bapak’s visit, to tour Central Java, and to ensure that Central Java truly becomes ‘elephant territory’,” said the Chairman of the PSI Central Java Regional Leadership Council (DPW), Antonius Yogo, as quoted from detikJateng, Saturday (4/7/2026).

Yogo proposed that almost all regencies and cities in Central Java be visited, though the final decision rests with Jokowi. Jokowi’s political safari is planned for this July.

“We will prepare as quickly as possible. We will contact the team; hopefully, by mid-July, it can proceed. I am proposing almost 3ew 35 regencies/cities, though naturally, Bapak will choose which ones to visit,” he explained.

Yogo stated that the plan to tour Central Java was formulated following a direct meeting with Jokowi. Yogo mentioned that his team is currently finalising the schedule and technical details.

He explained that Jokowi’s July itinerary is based on the progress of the party’s structural formation, which is claimed to be almost entirely complete. Yogo reported to Jokowi that the party machinery is ready to work at full capacity.

“We reported that the performance achievement of the DPW structure across all of Central Java is almost 95 per cent. The party machinery structure we promised is ready; today, we are reporting this to Bapak,” he asserted.

So, what does PDIP have to say regarding the plan to turn Central Java into ‘elephant territory’? Here is the breakdown.

PDIP Asks PSI Not to Be Arrogant

PDIP politician Guntur Romli responded to PSI’s readiness to prove to Jokowi that Central Java will become ‘elephant territory’. Guntur believes PSI does not need to act overly arrogant.

“PSI should not be too arrogant. If Jokowi is forced to tour, it 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 involving the PSI Secretary-General, who admitted to receiving money from the new Kuansing Regent, which was returned only 10 days later,” Guntur told reporters on Sunday (5/7).

“The KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) must not be selective; why did it take 10 days to return it? That does not negate the criminal act. Furthermore, regarding the Daily Chairman of PSI, Ahmad Ali, whose house was searched and billions were seized, yet he remains fine as of now,” he added.

Guntur assessed that PSI’s statements regarding political targets in Central Java need not be a cause for concern. He noted that PSI’s achievements in the 2024 Election did not demonstrate significant strength.

“It is just a form of arrogance, not a statement that needs to be responded to, let alone feared. If PSI were the second-largest party in 2024 and then said they wanted to seize ‘bull territory’, that would make more sense,” he said.

“In 2024, PSI failed to enter parliament, even with full support from Jokowi, who was President at the time, using the tagline ‘PSI, Jokowi’s Party’ and placing Jokowi’s photo on all billboards. Even with Jokowi as President, he failed to get PSI through; so much so that he is no longer President. PSI should not be arrogant,” he added.

Accusations of Electoral Social Climbing

Meanwhile, PDIP National Board Chairman Deddy Sitorus responded to PSI National Board Chairman Bestari Barus, who expressed surprise that PDIP continues to comment on Jokowi despite him no longer being one of their members. Deddy believes PSI is merely busy dragging PDIP into their narrative.

“We never hear PSI’s voice (criticising people’s issues); they are just busy dragging PDI Perjuangan into it. The people are bored with PSI’s gimmicks,” Deddy told reporters on Sunday (5/7/2026).

Deddy assessed that PSI more frequently makes sensationalist statements. He is instead waiting for critical voices from PSI regarding public issues.

“Enough, the people know they are just creating sensation for electoral social climbing,” said Deddy.

“We are waiting for their voice regarding student demands, the Kuansing Regent bribery case, and other issues related to the people,” he added.