Despite the perceived betrayal of the First Family, the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has pledged that it will continue to support President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his government until his second and final term ends in 2024.
Despite the perceived betrayal by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his family members, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has pledged that it will continue to support the government until the President’s second and final term ends in 2024.
The PDI-P, which has served as Jokowi’s political vehicle for decades, will not turn its back on him by taking a position of opposition during his remaining time in office, said party executive Djarot Saiful Hidayat.
“No matter what [happened], we have to safeguard [Jokowi’s government]. We have to complete the government programs and ensure Pak Jokowi's leadership is a success until the end of his term,” Djarot said.
The relationship between the President and the PDI-P reached a new low after his eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who, like Jokowi, is a card-carrying member of PDI-P, decided to run as running mate to presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto on a ticket backed by rival parties.
Gibran’s vice presidential run speaks to a major shift in the balance of power between Jokowi, whom his own party often referred to as a mere “party official”, and PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, with whom Jokowi has had a complicated relationship over the course of his presidency.
Read also: Jokowi claims neutrality at 2024 race luncheon
Jokowi has repeatedly stressed he had no involvement in presidential and vice presidential nominations. But political insiders have said the soon-to-be outgoing leader has been seeking to retain his influence by covertly marshaling the support of members of the ruling coalition for Prabowo and securing his son’s vice presidential candidacy.
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