PSI Claims Jokowi Didn't Support Them as President, PDIP Cites Campaign Billboards

PDIP spokesperson Guntur Romli has responded to claims by PSI’s Political Affairs Head Bestari Barus that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) never publicly supported the PSI during his presidency. Known as Gunrom, he questioned the claim and pointed to PSI’s campaign billboards ahead of the 2024 election. He noted there were more billboards than PSI supporters. “How could PSI spread and place millions of billboards across Indonesia, more than its supporters, with slogans like ‘PSI is Jokowi’s Party’ featuring photos of Kaesang and Jokowi?” he said. “Through his power, Jokowi attempted to ensure PSI’s success in the 2024 election but failed. That’s why I say, even as president he couldn’t secure PSI’s success, let alone now,” he added. “Jokowi is a ‘limited edition’ statesman – limited integrity, honesty, ethics, and common sense, but unlimited lies and constitutional betrayal. A statesman who signals left when turning right and vice versa,” Romli stated. Previously, Bestari stated that during his presidency, Jokowi never publicly supported PSI despite the party being led by his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep. He claimed this demonstrated Jokowi’s statesmanship in maintaining national political stability. He argued that by not explicitly endorsing PSI in the 2024 election, the coattail effect during his presidency instead benefited PDIP, Jokowi’s long-standing party. However, Bestari said the situation has now changed, with Jokowi repeatedly stating his intention to assist PSI. “Even silent voters are now shifting their stance, thinking ‘Oh, it turns out President Jokowi is now with PSI,’” he added.