Jokowi's Post-Term Political Safari Seen as Potentially Disrupting National Economic Stability

Political activities outside the capital by the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), have drawn sharp criticism from academics. The Rector of Paramadina University, Professor Didik J. Rachbini, Ph.D., assesses that the former head of state's series of political safaris has the potential to trigger new instability, negatively impacting the national economy.

The political safari, which began in Lampung Province and is planned to continue to various regions of Indonesia, comes amid fluctuations in the rupiah exchange rate and the stock market. According to Didik, this political maneuver raises concerns because Jokowi's influence is still considered dominant within the current government circles.

The political-economic observer also highlighted inconsistencies in Jokowi's stance. Before stepping down, Jokowi expressed his desire to return to Solo and live as an ordinary citizen. However, the reality on the ground shows active political movements that some interpret as preparation for a long-term coalition ahead of the 2029 Election.

In addition to Jokowi's safari, the frequency of working visits by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to various regions is also seen as fueling a premature sense of political contestation. Didik fears that the focus of ministers in President Prabowo Subianto's cabinet will be divided, leading them to neglect strategic economic programs to secure their respective groups' political positions.

From a political-economy perspective, hidden tensions between Jokowi's faction and Prabowo's administration are predicted to increase uncertainty for business actors and investors. This is feared to affect bureaucratic governance, policy consistency, and foreign investment interest in Indonesia.

Although domestic macroeconomic indicators, such as inflation, the trade balance, and foreign exchange reserves, currently show positive performance, non-economic external factors like the rising political temperature remain a real threat that could slow the national economic recovery.