PSI Aims to Foster New 'Jokowis' from Among Its Cadres

BOGOR, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) aims to cultivate figures akin to the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), from among its ranks.

PSI Daily Chairman Ahmad Ali stated that his party considers Jokowi a role model for its members, particularly the youth and rural communities eager to enter the political arena.

"Yes, something like that, because he has become our figure. That's why we want to make him one of our role models and our ambassador," Ahmad Ali remarked during an interview at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC) in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday (24/10/2026).

According to Ali, Jokowi's political journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that a simple background is not a barrier to achieving high office in government.

"We hope he will be a figure who inspires the Indonesian people, especially the children from rural areas, showing that no child from a village should be discouraged from engaging in politics," said Ahmad Ali.

The former Nasdem politician emphasized that opportunities for participation in politics are not limited to those from prominent families or with a political elite background.

Ali cited Jokowi's journey, growing up on the banks of a river in Solo, selling leaves, and helping his parents before pursuing higher education and eventually entering politics.

"Take for example Mr. Jokowi, who grew up on the riverbank in Solo, selling leaves, helping his parents, then went to college, and without even being in a party, not a child of a figure, he was able to realize his ideas and integrity, leading him to be elected mayor, then what, the Governor of DKI, and then become president," Ahmad Ali said. "We hope that Jokowi's story can encourage more young people to bravely enter the political arena."

As youth involvement and individuals with good ideas are crucial for making politics more dynamic.

"Because it's not impossible for rural kids, kids from Bogor, to have the opportunity to become president," Ahmad Ali elaborated.

On another note, Ali has yet to confirm whether Jokowi will be announced as a leader of the PSI in the party's upcoming agenda.

He mentioned that PSI will hold a national leadership meeting (Rapimnas) on November 16, 2026.

However, the certainty regarding Jokowi's position in the party's leadership will need to be awaited until that agenda takes place.

"As for whether he will be announced as one of the leaders in the party, let’s wait for the main date," Ahmad Ali concluded.