Puan Unfazed by Jokowi's Nationwide Tour, PSI: She's Wiser Than Others

House Speaker Puan Maharani has stated she has no issue with 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) conducting a political safari, asserting that every citizen has the right to visit any region in Indonesia. “A political safari is the right of every citizen to visit anywhere,” Puan told reporters at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (30/6). She added that amid the current uncertain global situation, it would be best for all parties to maintain a conducive atmosphere. “However, in the current uncertain global situation, it would be better if we could all work together to keep the situation conducive. Meaning, let’s just keep things calm,” she said.

Responding to Puan’s stance, Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Chairman Bestari Barus said he shared her view. He noted that both he and Puan serve as chairs of political affairs within their respective parties, suggesting they have a similar perspective on political movements. “I agree with Mbak Puan. She is the Chair of Political Affairs at PDIP DPP. I am also a Chair of Political Affairs. Perhaps we have a similar channel in responding to political movements from various parties,” Bestari said when contacted on Wednesday (1/7/2026).

Bestari assessed that Puan’s response was far wiser than that of other DPR members. He suggested that Puan better understands why PSI took the initiative to move first. “I think that is the wisest approach, especially considering she is also the Speaker of the DPR. She is certainly much wiser than those in the DPR who do not understand why PSI needed to take the lead in political steps deemed important and necessary to pass factual verification,” he stated.

Bestari also agreed with Puan’s call for maintaining conduciveness. He argued that Jokowi’s nationwide tour largely brings benefits. “Oh, certainly. Even at home we maintain conduciveness, right? Moreover, when Pak Jokowi goes down to the field, it is actually an appeal to all parties. Alhamdulillah, what happened in Lampung recently brought more benefits to the community, to Pak Jokowi, and to PSI as well. We also understand how to ensure that what we carry out does not bring harm,” he said. Bestari further noted that Puan’s differing attitude from other PDIP politicians stems from her greater maturity.