UNS Professor: Jokowi's Political Safari Potentially Opens 'Jokowisme 2.0' Scenario Towards 2029

Tangsellife.com - The political safari of the 7th Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), which began in Lampung, is seen as a signal that the former head of state still wants to maintain his influence in the national political landscape leading up to the 2029 Presidential Election.

Professor of Constitutional Law at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Prof. Agus Riewanto, assesses that Jokowi's move opens up the possibility of a new political scenario called "Jokowisme 2.0".

Jokowi's Political Safari Assessed as Maintaining Support Base

According to Agus, Jokowi's political visits to several regions are not just for silaturahmi (gathering), but also a strategy to maintain his political network and the loyalty of volunteers who have supported him.

He believes this network can be an important asset in building a new political axis after Jokowi is no longer president.

"This opens space for the 'Jokowisme 2.0' scenario: launching Gibran or Kaesang, or becoming a patron of a new axis outside of Gerindra-PDIP," said Agus.

Jokowi's Influence Still Considered by Political Elites

Agus explained that although the impact of Jokowi's political safari has not been directly felt on electability, his influence among political elites is still very significant.

According to him, Jokowi's presence keeps the national political configuration dynamic because various political forces still consider his position.

"Electurally, the impact is not yet felt. But among the elites, the impact is significant," he said.

He added that Jokowi is now an important factor that cannot be ignored by major parties.

"Jokowi has become the 'X factor' that makes Prabowo unable to ignore him, and PDIP cannot claim Jokowi's automatic vote," explained Agus.

Strategy to Maintain Political Relevance Post-Presidency

According to Agus, Jokowi's current political activities are part of an effort to maintain his relevance, autonomy, and political bargaining power after stepping down from the presidency.

He sees this move as a common strategy for former heads of state to maintain influence in national political dynamics.

"This is a former president's strategy to maintain relevance, autonomy, and bargaining power. The essence is: cooperation on the surface, competition for influence behind the scenes," he said.

Jokowi, Prabowo, and Gibran's Relationship Assessed as Mutually Beneficial

Agus also assesses that the relationship between Jokowi, President Prabowo Subianto, and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka is not in an opposing position.

According to him, the public is mistaken to view the relationship between the three as one of opposition or subordination.

"The public should see it as 'coexistence with competition'. Not opposition, because Gibran is in the cabinet. But also not subordination," he said.

He stated that the three figures have a mutually beneficial relationship in facing the political dynamics towards the 2029 Presidential Election.

"So, Jokowi, Prabowo, and Gibran are mutualistic actors for the sake of the 2029 Presidential Election," he concluded.