PSI Explains Relationship with JK After Ade Armando Resigns from the Party
PSI Deputy Chairman Bestari Barus responded to statements from Jusuf Kalla’s spokesperson, Husain Abdullah, who hoped Ade Armando’s resignation would serve as a lesson for all parties. Instead, Bestari discussed the good relations between PSI and JK.
Bestari initially agreed with Husain Abdullah’s statement. She believed there was no ulterior motive behind it.
“We all learn, even from the cradle to the grave, right? That’s the meaning of what he said; I take it as a lesson for all parties, whatever we’re experiencing today becomes a lesson for everyone. I think that’s it; I don’t see any ulterior motives,” Bestari said when contacted on Thursday (7/5/2026).
Bestari also stated that PSI is no longer in a position to explain Ade Armando’s stance, which touched on ethnic and religious issues. She said the impact could no longer be drawn to PSI.
“PSI is no longer in a position to explain what is the responsibility of an individual. After Brother Ade resigned from PSI as a member or cadre, there has been a clear statement that he understands the major impact being dragged into PSI,” she said.
“Then after he said he would take personal responsibility for it, so PSI is no longer in a position to respond or anything like that,” she continued.
Furthermore, Bestari conveyed that there is no damaged relationship between PSI and JK. She also mentioned that Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had previously paired with JK.
“PSI has even never directly interacted with Mr JK. I think there is no damaged relationship between PSI and Mr JK. Our Daily Chairman (Ahmad Ali) is friends with Mr JK. Mr Jokowi was also together with Mr JK for five years as President and Vice President, and the journey went well,” she said.
Bestari stated there are no issues that can be linked to recent events. According to her, PSI is just a small party.
“There’s no confrontation that can be linked, and whether this is due to a less harmonious relationship between PSI and Mr JK. PSI is just a small party, while Mr JK is a big figure. How could Mr JK have issues with PSI? No,” she remarked.
Therefore, she emphasised that what Ade Armando and others did is not related to PSI. “If it’s about matters involving certain individuals or certain people or certain personal matters, I think that’s personal business that cannot be directly linked to PSI or become PSI’s policy,” she added.
JK’s Spokesperson’s Statement
Social media activist Ade Armando decided to resign from the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) following police reports against him by 40 Islamic community organisations related to the alleged editing of speeches by Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK). JK’s spokesperson, Husain Abdullah, hoped this issue would serve as a lesson for anyone.
He initially stated that Ade Armando’s resignation from PSI was an internal matter. He mentioned that some were linking it to PSI.
“Regarding Ade Armando’s resignation from his party, that’s his internal affair. Supposedly because he doesn’t want his party to be implicated,” Husain said when contacted on Wednesday (6/5).
Nevertheless, he hoped this could be a lesson for anyone, not just Ade Armando. According to him, the practices carried out by Ade Armando and others should no longer be done.
“Because of that, this is a lesson for anyone. Not just for Ade Armando. Practices of public deception like that, resembling agitation and propaganda aimed at steering misguided opinions for character assassination against someone, should be stopped,” he said.