Jokowi Returns to Politics, Visits Lampung to Boost Son's PSI Party

President Joko Widodo has re-entered practical politics following his term's end in October 2024, embarking on regional visits reminiscent of his presidential tours. His current focus is supporting the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), now led by his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep. Widodo's comeback began with a visit to Lampung province, a region he chose as his first stop with volunteers and PSI members.

During his visit to Mesuji Regency, Lampung, Widodo explained his dual motivations: his enduring affection for the people of Lampung and his commitment to PSI. He specifically praised the province's PSI leadership for nearly completing the party's organizational structure down to the village level, a feat he noted other regions had not yet achieved. "I want to give appreciation, respect, and high honor to the Chairman, the DPW Chairman, the DPD Chairman, along with all their staff who have completed the party structure down to the village level," he stated.

Widodo emphasized the importance of the party's grassroots structure remaining active and engaged with the community. "What does it mean to be alive and working? It means that you, the management officials, must always be close to the community, not just when elections are approaching, but daily," he advised. He suggested practical ways for officials to stay connected, such as attending community events like funerals, religious gatherings, and weddings to offer condolences or congratulations, and assisting residents with local issues.

The President also set an ambitious target for PSI, aiming for the party to secure seats in the national legislature in the 2029 legislative elections. Widodo spent three days in Lampung, visiting various areas including Mesuji, Tulangbawang Barat, Pesawaran, Bandar Lampung, and Lampung Timur. He arrived in Lampung on Friday, June 26, and was scheduled to depart on Sunday, June 28. Earlier that day, he was seen at Adi Soemarmo Airport in Solo wearing a white shirt and a PSI-logoed cap, signaling his active involvement with the party.