Solo, Central Java. Former Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday began his first nationwide political tour since leaving office, wearing the uniform of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), which is led by his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep.

The trip, which begins in Lampung province, is widely viewed as Jokowi’s most visible political appearance since stepping down in October 2024 and is expected to reinforce his support for PSI ahead of future elections.

Political observers also see the tour as another sign that Jokowi is distancing himself from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the party that backed his successful presidential campaigns in 2014 and 2019.

PDI-P formally expelled Jokowi after he declined to support the party’s presidential nominee in the 2024 election and instead openly endorsed Prabowo Subianto, who won the presidency with Jokowi’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his running mate. Gibran was also expelled from the party.

Jokowi departed Adi Soemarmo International Airport in Boyolali, Central Java, at around 6 a.m. under the protection of his presidential security detail. He was dressed in a white shirt and cap bearing the PSI logo.

Asked about the attire, Jokowi said the clothing had been given to him by Kaesang.

“I was given this by PSI chairman Kaesang, so I’m wearing it,” Jokowi told reporters.

He said his itinerary over the next three days includes meetings with local residents, volunteers, and PSI members.

According to the schedule, Jokowi will visit Mesuji Regency and Tulang Bawang Regency in Lampung before continuing his tour to other regions through June 28.

Although Jokowi no longer holds public office, he remains one of Indonesia’s most influential political figures. His public endorsement of PSI is expected to boost the profile of the relatively young party, which failed to win a parliamentary seat in the last election.

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