JAKARTA (Bernama): Indonesia’s Solidarity Party (PSI) has declared its readiness to welcome former president Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, into its ranks - should he choose to join the party.
The party’s deputy chairman, Andy Budiman, stated in a statement that PSI considers itself Jokowi’s "political home” and is prepared to receive him with open arms.
"PSI was founded to support Jokowi’s vision and mission for Indonesia’s development,” Andy said, stating that all party members continue to champion those goals.
The statement came days after Jokowi indicated he favoured joining PSI rather than accepting an offer to become chairman of the Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP).
Last Friday, the former president announced at his Surakarta residence that he will not join PPP, saying many candidates are better qualified and possess the capacity and competence to lead the party.
Jokowi’s connection with PSI is no surprise, as his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, was appointed PSI chairman in September 2023, boosting the party’s profile among young urban voters.
Though PSI failed to surpass the four per cent parliamentary threshold in the 2024 general election, it won seats in several regional legislatures and remains a key player in Indonesian politics. -- Bernama
