PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Claims Jokowi Transformed Indonesia into Populist Authoritarian State

PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto stated that President Joko Widodo, or Jokowi, had transformed Indonesia into a populist authoritarian state. He made the remarks during his speech at the Pancasila Birthday ceremony at the At-Taufiq Mosque field in South Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.

Hasto expressed regret that political and economic democracy had shifted towards centralisation, noting that the change occurred during Jokowi’s second term as President.

“Especially during Jokowi’s second term, Indonesia has become a populist authoritarian state,” he said.

The system, which should prioritise justice, instead succumbs to power, Hasto added, with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) being downgraded to tools for electoral mobilisation.

“This occurred in the 2024 election; during the Rakernas, PDI Perjuangan apologised to the Indonesian people for the shift in power dynamics due to power ambition,” he explained.

He also highlighted cases of political criminalisation that have drawn strong criticism.

Without the rule of law, there can be no solid political structure, he noted, as a just legal system is fundamental.

“Without it, there will be no respect for humanity, popular sovereignty, and justice. Without a just legal system, everything becomes costly and uncertain,” he concluded.