18-12-2024 (JAKARTA) In a seismic shift in Indonesian politics, former President Joko Widodo faces an uncertain political future following his dramatic expulsion from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) on Monday. The dismissal, which also includes his son and son-in-law, marks a stunning fall from grace for one of Indonesia’s most popular leaders.
Speaking from his residence in Solo on Tuesday, the former president, widely known as Jokowi, maintained a diplomatic stance on his removal. “I respect that decision and I’m not in a position to defend myself. Time will tell,” he stated, displaying characteristic composure in the face of political turbulence.
The expulsion stems from Jokowi’s controversial backing of Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto in February’s presidential elections, directly opposing PDI-P’s chosen candidate, Ganjar Pranowo. The party’s chairwoman, former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, formalised the dismissal through official letters that also terminated the membership of Jokowi’s elder son, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and son-in-law Bobby Nasution, the mayor of Medan.
PDI-P council head Komarudin Watubun announced that the party has severed all ties with the dismissed members, who were among 30 individuals expelled for violating party discipline. The dismissal letters specifically cited Jokowi’s alleged abuse of power in intervening at the Constitutional Court, referring to a controversial ruling that allowed his son Gibran to run as Prabowo’s vice-presidential candidate.
The political drama represents a remarkable reversal of fortune for Jokowi, who had relied on PDI-P as his political vehicle throughout his journey from mayor of Surakarta to governor of Jakarta, and ultimately to his two-term presidency. When questioned about returning his party membership card and future political plans, Jokowi cryptically remarked, “I’m a one-man party,” whilst indicating he has no immediate plans to form his own political organisation.
Meanwhile, both Gerindra and Golkar parties have expressed keen interest in welcoming the former president into their ranks. Prabowo, who chairs Gerindra, confirmed his party’s openness to Jokowi following a private meeting at his South Jakarta residence. Similarly, Golkar’s secretary-general Muhammad Sarmuji stated they would “accept him with open arms.”
As Indonesia’s political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes remain on Jokowi’s next move. While his son Gibran has aligned himself with supporting President Prabowo, and his son-in-law Bobby has already joined Gerindra, the former president’s political future remains uncertain, with his trademark response being simply, “Just wait and see.”
