The political tour currently being conducted by the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, has sparked concern among observers regarding its impact on national economic stability. The Rector of Paramadina University, Prof. Didik J. Rachbini, highlighted that the intensity of this political movement is taking place at a time when the Indonesian economy is facing external pressures, such as rupiah exchange rate fluctuations and capital market challenges.
According to Prof. Didik, this political step is no longer aligned with Jokowi's previous statements that he planned to return to Solo and become an ordinary citizen after completing his term. He assessed the maneuver as a crude political move that could create negative perceptions among market players and investors. It is feared that political uncertainty resulting from elite rivalry will disrupt the government's concentration on executing crucial economic programs.
From a political economy perspective, the strong influence of a former president who still maintains an extensive political network is seen as a risk factor for the business world. "This dynamic becomes a bad uncertainty factor for investment. Business operators and capital owners tend to see this shift as an elite rivalry, which has the potential to hamper policy-making and bureaucratic effectiveness," he explained.
Although macroeconomic indicators such as inflation and trade balance currently show relatively stable trends, Prof. Didik emphasized that non-economic factors pose a real threat. He argued that the government's energy risks being drained by short-term political interests instead of focusing on the broader public welfare.
He also added that the involvement of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in visits to various regions further increases the intensity of attention among the political elite. This phenomenon is considered to reinforce the impression of an unhealthy rivalry for influence, which could ultimately burden the performance of the administration led by President Prabowo Subianto.
