The steps taken by the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, in conducting a political safari with the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) are now under close scrutiny by political observers. This action is seen not as a mere routine visit, but as a calculated strategy to consolidate the strength of the party, which currently remains outside of parliament.
An analyst from the Paramadina Public Policy Institute, Wahyutama, stated that Jokowi's efforts to build up PSI are a pragmatic step. As a newcomer party that failed to pass the parliamentary threshold in the 2024 General Election with 2.8% of the votes, PSI indeed requires the support of a figure with high electability to strengthen its bargaining position in the public eye.
In addition to the party's electoral interests, Jokowi's maneuver is also linked to the political dynamics involving Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Wahyutama highlighted signs of concern from other political forces, including internal instructions within the Gerindra Party, to monitor the movements of Gibran and PSI at the regional level.
Strategically, this collaboration is viewed as Jokowi's effort to ensure the continuity of his political influence through a more flexible party channel. By continuing to accompany PSI, Jokowi is not only maintaining the party's existence but also protecting the long-term political interests of his eldest son amid an ever-shifting coalition map.
