PDIP and PSI Politicians Clash Over Jokowi's Indonesia Tour
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Indonesia’s seventh president, plans to travel across several regions of Indonesia soon. The plan has drawn attention from PDI Perjuangan politician Guntur Romli.
Jokowi explained his reason for touring Indonesia is due to his improving health and recovery. He stated the trip is to fulfill invitations from local communities.
“I have many invitations from various regions to attend. I’m now healthy and will visit these invitations,” Jokowi said at his residence in Sumber, Banjarsari.
Jokowi added that besides maintaining social ties, he aims to motivate the public. “And that’s also to provide motivation,” he explained.
When asked if the regional tour was preparation for the 2029 presidential election to support Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi declined to comment extensively, reiterating the agenda is solely due to public invitations.
“There are invitations from regions,” Jokowi stated briefly.
The former Solo mayor confirmed his health has improved, allowing him to resume full activities.
“Well, yes. Fulfilling regional invitations means I’m ready. Insha’Allah, I’m ready,” he said.
PDIP Predicts Jokowi Will Distribute Food Aid
PDI Perjuangan politician Guntur Romli said he is not concerned about Jokowi’s planned nationwide travels, insisting it will not impact PDIP.
“I am certain there is no impact at all. Jokowi was dishonourably expelled from PDI Perjuangan, as were Gibran and Bobby. The public knows the reasons,” Guntur said.
Guntur also referenced Jokowi’s promotion of PSI during his presidency, arguing it had no effect on PSI.
“Logically, when Jokowi was president, he couldn’t get PSI into parliament, so now that he’s no longer in office, it’s even less significant,” he added.
Guntur believes Jokowi’s tour is merely distributing food aid and cash envelopes for social media content.
“At best, his Indonesia tour is just handing out food aid and envelopes to create social media content,” he added.
He claimed Jokowi will only stage political dramas during his travels.
“There’s nothing to worry about Jokowi touring remote areas of Indonesia. We can witness Jokowi-style soap opera drama,” he said.
PSI Surprised by PDIP’s Critical Remarks
PSI Deputy Chair Bestari Barus commented on Guntur Romli’s statements, expressing surprise at PDIP’s consistently negative remarks about Jokowi.
Bestari initially agreed that PDIP shouldn’t be concerned about Jokowi’s travels, stating it’s simply responding to public yearning.
“It’s strange to be worried. Why should they be concerned? President Jokowi, during his tenure, often made grassroots visits, so there’s a longing from communities and individuals who experienced his policies firsthand when he visited. That’s why people miss him,” Bestari said.
Bestari also criticised Guntur’s non-comprehensive view of Jokowi’s intentions but understood PDIP’s critical stance since Jokowi left.
“I don’t know, since the benefits for their party were revoked by Jokowi, their opinions have always been negative, that’s how it is,” he said.
Bestari hopes this becomes an opportunity for Jokowi to confirm his alignment with PSI, encouraging his supporters to shift from PDIP.
“Without PDIP realising it, we in PSI are actually pleased Jokowi is no longer with them. Hopefully, during his nationwide tours, Jokowi states he is now with PSI. So those who supported him during his presidency now publicly understand ‘he’s with PSI, let’s not vote for that party anymore’”, he said.
“This causes anxiety, which is understandable. Jokowi is beloved by the people, so when he moves, his silent voters and supporters will follow him to PSI, hence the concerns – we can understand that,” he added.
Bestari urged PDIP to focus on their own party matters, particularly criticising Guntur Romli’s role.
“He should focus on his own party, or is he so idle he needs to comment on others’ affairs? It’s odd. Honestly, I’m confused about his position in PDIP – is he an official or not? Or is he competing for a position, hence making meaningless statements that don’t benefit the party,” he stressed.