Jokowi Admits He Still Saves PDIP KTA Amid Polemics Of Relations With The Party

7th President Jokowi with Ketum Megawati during the PDIP Anniversary (doc. BETWEEN)

The 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), revealed that he still has a member ID card (KTA) of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) even though the relationship with the party bearing the white-nosed bull is in the spotlight.

"(KTA PDIP) yes still (saved)," said Jokowi when met by media crews at his residence on Jalan Kutai Utara Number 1, Sumber Village, Banjarsari District, Solo City, Central Java, Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

When asked further about his status in the party led by Megawati Soekarnoputri, Jokowi just smiled and laughed lightly without giving a detailed answer.

On the same occasion, Jokowi responded to the dismissal of Effendi Simbolon from PDIP. Effendi was removed from party membership because he was considered to have defected by supporting Ridwan Kamil-Suswono in the 2024 Jakarta gubernatorial election (Pilgub), instead of the pair promoted by PDIP, Pramono Anung-Rano Karno.

According to Jokowi, the decision to dismiss was entirely under PDIP's internal authority. "Yes, meeting why if you meet. That (dismissal) is the party's authority," he said briefly.

Even though he currently lives in Solo, Jokowi ensures that he still has a PDIP KTA. This statement is also an affirmation in the midst of various speculations about his relationship with the party that made his name.

The issue of the rift in Jokowi's relationship with PDIP has surfaced amid political dynamics ahead of the 2024 Jakarta gubernatorial election and the 2024 presidential election. However, Jokowi has not yet made further comments regarding the direction of his political support this year.