Several NasDem Cadres and Other Political Parties in Sarmi Regency, Papua, Reportedly Switching to PSI

Political dynamics in Papua are beginning to show shifts. Several cadres from political parties in Sarmi Regency are reported to have changed allegiance and joined the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI).

The Chairman of the PSI Papua Regional Leadership Council (DPW), Joan Henri, revealed that the defections of cadres are not from just one party, but from several political parties, including the NasDem Party.

“There are many cadres from other parties in Sarmi Regency, including from the NasDem Party, who have joined PSI. It’s not just NasDem; there are other parties as well,” said Joan Henri at the Regional Coordination Meeting (Rakorwil) and the Installation of the DPW PSI and DPD PSI chairmen across Papua, on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

According to Joan, one of the main reasons these cadres chose to join PSI is the absence of political donation practices within the party.

“They saw from 2024 that PSI truly carried out its activities without mahar, so they know that when they join this party, they won’t face difficulties,” said Joan Henri.

In addition, the political spirit championed by PSI is also considered a unique attraction for the defecting cadres.

“They are switching to PSI also because they see that PSI has an extraordinary spirit, proven by the 2024 general elections and regional elections with the PSI without mahar slogan, and that was truly implemented by PSI,” said Joan Henri.

Meanwhile, the General Chairman of the PSI Central Executive Board (DPP), Kaesang Pangarep, also attended the Rakorwil and installation event for the DPW and DPD PSI executives across Papua.

This event is part of PSI’s internal consolidation steps to strengthen its organisational structure while expanding its support base, particularly in eastern Indonesia.