Jokowi's Official Membership in PSI Not Considered Surprising

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Political communication analyst M. Jamiluddin Ritonga views the news of President Joko Widodo, the 7th president of Indonesia, officially being a member of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) as unsurprising.

According to him, Widodo's association with the party symbolized by the elephant has long been acknowledged by the Indonesian public.

"People have been aware that Jokowi is part of PSI for a while. In fact, in the minds of many, Jokowi equals PSI and PSI equals Jokowi. Therefore, there is no surprise in him being announced as an official member of PSI," Jamiluddin stated to Kompas.com on Monday (28/9/2026).

Nonetheless, he believes that Jokowi's official announcement can enhance internal efforts within PSI leading up to the 2029 general elections.

He suggests that PSI members may feel more motivated to engage politically by directly connecting with the public to garner votes.

"Jokowi's presence in PSI can also serve as a catalyst for party structure consolidation. He might inspire members to improve the party's leadership at various levels down to the grassroots," Jamiluddin remarked.

However, he predicts that PSI will still struggle to secure a parliamentary seat, even with Jokowi's official membership.

"Jokowi's membership will not significantly impact the party's movement and position in the national political landscape," Jamiluddin added.

He notes that PSI will find it increasingly difficult to enter the DPR if a 5 percent parliamentary threshold is approved.

Moreover, Jokowi joining PSI is not perceived as a new surprise that could boost the party's electability.

"It seems unlikely for PSI to secure a seat in Senayan, even with Jokowi's membership. He is no longer the magnet that can draw people from other parties to PSI," Jamiluddin concluded.

Jokowi Holds PSI Membership Card

Previously, Jokowi announced that he has officially become a member of PSI, saying he has been part of the PSI family for nearly a year.

"I have been part of the PSI family since October 14, 2025. It has been a year. Many did not believe me; now I will just show my membership card," Jokowi said to PSI members during the DPD City Coordination Meeting in Grand Pasundan, Jalan Peta, West Java, on Saturday (26/9/2026).

Kompas.com/Faqih Rohman Syafei The 7th President Joko Widodo attending the DPD City Coordination Meeting at Grand Pasundan, Jalan Peta, on Saturday (26/9/2026).

Jokowi revealed that he showed his membership card to reaffirm his status as a member of the party with the elephant symbol.

Along with displaying the card, Jokowi also read out his full name and the membership number listed on it.

He expressed hope that no one would question his status as a member of the elephant-symbolized party.

"So it's all clear now. There should be no doubts that I am now part of the PSI family," Jokowi concluded.