The plan of the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, to resume visits to various regions in Indonesia has drawn sharp focus from political analysts. The move is seen not just as an ordinary visit, but as a strategic maneuver to maintain the relevance of his political influence ahead of the 2029 presidential election.
According to political communication analyst from Esa Unggul University, M. Jamiluddin Ritonga, there are two main targets behind the safari plan. First, Jokowi wants to show the public and political party elites that his mass base remains solid. By demonstrating his presence directly among the public, Jokowi hopes his political bargaining power before the current government, including President Prabowo Subianto, remains secure.
Jamiluddin added that this agenda is also closely related to efforts to smooth the position of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to run again with Prabowo in the upcoming election. On the other hand, Jokowi is suspected of wanting to provide electoral support to the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI). The goal is for the party to increase its vote share and secure seats in the House of Representatives (DPR RI), thereby becoming a medium-sized party with stronger bargaining power.
However, major challenges overshadow this ambition. Jamiluddin noted that the political situation is now far different from when Jokowi was still in power. His current status of no longer being the main patron, combined with the emergence of various controversial sentiments during his administration, is seen to have significantly eroded part of his fanatical support base.
Previously, Jokowi himself confirmed his readiness to fulfill invitations from various elements of society in the regions. He made this statement at his residence in Solo, asserting that his condition has now recovered and he is ready to return to activities in the public sphere after retirement.
