Why PDIP Calls Jokowi's Planned Visits a 'Second Sun' to Prabowo
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has urged that planned regional visits by the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), this June must not disturb the performance of President Prabowo Subianto’s government. This was emphasised by PDIP Spokesperson Ansy Lena during an appearance on Inside Politics on CNNIndonesia TV on Tuesday evening.
According to Ansy, such visitation activities must not have a negative impact or cause internal divisions within the Merah Putih Cabinet under Prabowo’s leadership. He stated there should be no ‘other sun’ besides Prabowo within the government.
PDIP is known to be the sole party in parliament that is outside the Prabowo-Gibran Rakabuming Raka cabinet. He assessed they must be able to ascertain the intentions and objectives of the activities carried out by Jokowi, questioning whether they are intended to support President Prabowo’s work or purely personal interests. “Because today we know that the president is Prabowo Subianto. And President Prabowo is like the sun. In an orchestration, he is the sole conductor who leads to produce a very good harmony,” he said.
He argued the Prabowo-Gibran administration is entering a crucial phase of work approaching two years of leadership. “Whether it contributes and adds value to the work or performance of President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet, or whether what is being done could actually disrupt the harmony, internal government consolidation, and the solidity and work focus of President Prabowo Subianto,” he stated. “Or whether today it is actually viewed more as a political manoeuvre that is essentially aimed towards the interests of the 2029 contestation,” he added.
On that occasion, Ansy also reminded all political parties, especially those in the Prabowo-Gibran government coalition, to focus on working for the people’s interests. He argued the most important thing right now is no longer just meeting people in the regions, but answering what is truly needed through government work. “The nation’s energy today should be entirely dedicated to working to answer the people’s problems. Because the real needs of the people today are job creation and increased public income,” he explained.
Therefore, he encouraged all political parties to help make President Prabowo’s work plan a success. Ansy warned them not to let each party focus on running their own agendas. “Remember, there cannot be more than one sun. Everyone must focus. We can imagine if there are ten political parties supporting the government and each has its own agenda. We can be certain that President Prabowo Subianto’s government will definitely not succeed,” he said.
On that occasion, Ansy also stressed that any of Jokowi’s activities are now irrelevant and unimportant to PDIP. Relations between PDIP and Jokowi became strained after Gibran became Prabowo’s vice-presidential candidate following the controversial Constitutional Court decision regarding the age limit requirements for the 2024 Presidential Election.
Jokowi is currently known besides being the father of the Vice President of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is also referred to as a Supervisory Board member for PSI—a party that is part of the Prabowo government coalition. PSI is currently led by Jokowi’s youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep. Jokowi—who was previously a PDIP cadre and was guided to become Mayor of Solo, Governor of DKI Jakarta, and President of Indonesia for two terms—has left the bull-headed party. Besides Jokowi, his son Gibran and his son-in-law Bobby Nasution are also no longer registered with PDIP. Bobby, who is currently the Governor of North Sumatra, has now become a Gerindra cadre—the party led by Prabowo as general chairman and chairman of the supervisory board.
Responding to PDIP’s statement, PSI stressed there is no agenda for a ‘second sun’ in Jokowi’s regional visits. Previously, Jokowi confirmed that his health condition had improved and he is ready to meet people in the regions again. He even confirmed his body’s condition has recovered 100 percent. Later, according to Jokowi, during his many upcoming visits he will interact more and provide motivation to the public. Jokowi admitted he has received many invitations to meet people and is now ready to meet them. Lampung has been mentioned as the first destination for his visit.