Former President Joko Widodo's plan to embark on a political safari across 38 provinces to boost the vote share of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) reflects a unique and challenging political dynamic. This move has sparked debate over the extent to which a political party's reliance on a central figure can determine the future of its organization on the national stage.
Observers assess that this strategy highlights PSI's very strong dependence on the figure of Jokowi. As a party that often labels itself as a platform for the youth and progressives, PSI instead appears to struggle to build an independent mass base without relying on individual appeal. This extreme personalization of politics is considered an obstacle to a healthier and more meritocratic institutionalization of the party.
This condition is further underscored by criticism regarding the internal leadership process within PSI, including the swift appointment of Kaesang Pangarep as General Chair. The narrative of being 'aligned' with the former president serves as the party's main anchor, which analysts argue neglects the importance of strengthening the ideological base and militant, sustainable grassroots cadre training.
Furthermore, major challenges lie ahead in this political safari due to the loss of structural power instruments previously held by Jokowi while in office. Without policy facilities or control over state instruments, the effort to shift traditional voter bases to a small party like PSI becomes a highly challenging task. Electoral realities also show that PSI is still struggling to pass the parliamentary threshold in several previous general elections.
