The Rector of Paramadina University, Prof. Didik J. Rachbini, has issued a stern warning regarding the political maneuvers carried out by the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. He assessed that a series of visits to various regions amidst current economic challenges could have a negative impact on national stability, particularly regarding investors' perception of policy certainty in Indonesia.
Prof. Didik highlighted the contradiction between Jokowi's previous statement of planning to return to being an ordinary civilian in Solo and the current political reality. According to him, these overt political moves have the potential to disrupt the momentum of President Prabowo Subianto's administration, given the political network and influence that still adhere to the former president.
Furthermore, he emphasized that from a political economy perspective, the dynamics of influence-struggles at the elite level will create uncertainty. Market players and capital owners tend to react negatively to situations where the government's focus shifts from economic recovery to elite rivalry involving figures of the former president and the current vice president.
While acknowledging that Indonesia's fundamental economic indicators currently show a relatively positive trend, such as controlled inflation and a stable trade balance, Prof. Didik stressed that non-economic factors pose a serious threat. He expressed concern that the administration's energy could be drained by managing political tensions, which could ultimately hinder the execution of strategic programs for public welfare.
