Rector of Paramadina University, Prof. Didik J. Rachbini, highlighted the series of political safaris conducted by Indonesia's 7th President, Joko Widodo. According to him, these political moves have a significant impact on national dynamics that could potentially affect business perceptions and Indonesia's economic stability amid global challenges.
In his analysis, Prof. Didik stated that Jokowi's post-presidential political activities were an unexpected move, given his previous statements claiming he would return to being an ordinary citizen. He views this movement as a form of elite competition that could divert the government's attention from development agendas and economic recovery.
Furthermore, Prof. Didik underlined that the business community highly values political certainty in determining investment directions. Political dynamics involving the former president's influence on the current administration, especially with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's position, are seen as creating additional risks for the national business climate.
"This premature political movement can become an obstacle that erodes government stability. It sends a negative signal to investors by increasing uncertainty at the bureaucratic and public policy levels," Prof. Didik explained.
While acknowledging that Indonesia's fundamental economic indicators currently show relatively sustained performance, such as stable inflation and trade balance, Prof. Didik still emphasized the importance of maintaining political conduciveness. He argued that the intensity of the political safari is not oriented toward improving public welfare, but rather triggers political elite friction that harms long-term economic expectations.
