So, here’s the latest rumor buzzing around, guys. Liputan 6, a local Indonesian news powerhouse, recently reported that the Indonesian Solidarity Party (also known as the PSI), has swung into a huddle with Gerindra Party honcho, Prabowo Subianto. Apparently, the PSI’s leanings towards Prabowo’s shot at the 2024 Presidential race are getting kinda noticeable.
Can’t ignore Dedi Kurnia Syah though, who leads the Indonesia Political Opinion (or IPO, as the insiders call it). He’s got an interesting theory that this PSI political shift is a direct order from the big man himself, President Joko Widodo. Yeah, you heard that right! He thinks Jokowi carries a huge soft spot for Prabowo.
Here’s what Dedi shared with the media recently, “In my view, PSI’s position is clearly reflective of a directive from Jokowi or, at the very least, they are choosing to follow his lead with a pro-Prabowo alignment”.
He added an interesting nugget, pointing out that a lot of statements from Prabowo and the PSI lately aren’t exactly lining up with Jokowi’s. Is that a little hint of the President’s behind-the-scenes involvement in the Prabowo-PSI camaraderie? Well, the jury is still out on that one!
“Dedi reckons that there are striking similarities between the remarks of Prabowo and the PSI. It seems like they’re taking a page from Jokowi’s book and even stand in a direction directly opposite to him. From the looks of it, both Prabowo and PSI’s actions carry a strong hint of Jokowi’s influence,” he said.
Jumping to the end, Dedi’s prediction is that Ganjar Pranowo will be left high and dry. Potentially, he could even miss out on winning the 2024 presidential election if everybody championing Jokowi chooses to back Prabowo instead.
“Dedi suggests that PDIP might drop plans of backing Ganjar and revert to their initial idea of supporting Puan Maharani,” he said.
The praises and support for Gerindra Party’s presidential nominee, Prabowo Subianto, seem to be multiplying. The latest nod from the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) just adds to that growing list.
Dedi pointed out that the compliments given to Prabowo by PSI Deputy Chairwoman, Grace Natalie, were a subtle hint of support. According to him, Grace’s description of Prabowo as a generous nationalist indirectly expressed PSI’s endorsement for Prabowo.
“In other words,” Dedi said, “Grace is low-key rooting for Prabowo in her comments. Plus, it’s a sign that PSI’s loyalty is starting to lean towards Prabowo.”
As South China Morning Post previously highlighted, ex-general Prabowo Subianto is striving to soften his stern persona in his pursuit for the key leadership role by being pinned as “Jokowi’s man”. After two unsuccessful attempts, he’s working hard on reinventing his brand, with more light-hearted speeches and engaging with the youthful voters on social platforms.
Prabowo’s election agenda includes continuing the popular and influential Widodo’s policies, hoping to capitalize on his successful strategies as the power player of the 2024 elections.
The former general is pretty hopeful that his third shot at Indonesia’s presidency, following the end of Joko Widodo’s two terms next year, might be the charm.
Considering the recent opinion polls that show Prabowo as one of the leading contenders, this just might be the perfect opportunity for the 71-year-old defence minister to clinch that coveted leadership role.
[sourcelink link=”https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/5362690/pertemuan-dengan-prabowo-subianto-psi-diduga-mengikuti-pesan-jokowi”]
[sourcelink link=”https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3228519/indonesias-prabowo-subianto-sheds-strongman-image-he-guns-top-job-being-jokowis-man”]
