Senior PSI Joining Politician, Observer: Elite Exodus Proof of Loyalty to the Party is Weak

PSI flag (Dok. PSI)

JAKARTA - Legal and political observer Dr. Pieter C. Zulkifli, highlighted the wave of the transfer of senior politicians to the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI).

He assessed that this phenomenon shows how political loyalty is more flexible when faced with electoral opportunities and the orbit of big figures.

According to him, this transfer can no longer be read as a normal maneuver ahead of the 2029 election. Behind the light-sounding term 'Elephant Cage', he said, there is also a serious and measurable calculation of power.

The former Chairman of Commission III of the DPR also scrutinized whether the exodus reflected a consolidation of a healthy democracy or was merely a pragmatic migration of elites.

"Is PSI building a modern institution that is open and anti-corruption, or just a new vehicle in the map of national power realism? The exodus of senior politicians to PSI marks a new chapter in power realism, a test for the 'Elephant Cage' between electoral strategies and integrity," said Pieter Zulkifli in his statement, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 3.

Pieter Zulkifli assessed the migration of senior politicians to PSI in the last two years was not just a news of a party switch. He views this as a political symptom that shows how the realism of power works more dominantly than ideological romanticism.

From Ahmad Ali, Bestari Barus, Rusdi Masse Mappasessu, to Nina Agustina, one by one, names with a long track record in the established party choose to anchor to the elephant-symbol party that has never made it to Senayan.

"What is really happening? PSI calls this strategy 'Elephant Cage' development, a metaphor for making certain areas a new power base. However, behind the funny term, there is a serious calculation, building electoral competitiveness in 2029 by combining the energy of the young and the experience of the old elite," he said.

He agreed that the main magnet for politicians was Joko Widodo's factor. A number of analysts read this migration as the 'Jokowi Effect' volume two is no longer in the capacity as incumbent, but as an electoral anchor after the presidency.

According to him, in the history of Indonesian politics, former presidents are often the epicenter of new loyalties. For example, Megawati Soekarnoputri is synonymous with PDIP, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) with the Democrats. Now, the public is reading the possibility of a new orbit around PSI.

However, he said, simplifying this exodus as a mere figure effect is certainly too shallow. For Pieter Zulkifli, there are other dimensions such as structural saturation in the old party, limited maneuvering space, and personal ambitions that seek more prospective vehicles.

"As Winston Churchill once reminded, 'In politics, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests'. Politics is a moving arena of interests; loyalty is often subject to opportunities," he said.

"At this point, PSI faces a paradox. On the one hand, the entry of senior politicians strengthens the legitimacy and infrastructure of the party. The experience of Rusdi Masse in raising a political machine in South Sulawesi, for example, is not a small capital," he added.

On the other hand, Pieter Zulkifli said too much 'old blood' has the potential to erode PSI's initial identity as an alternative party for young people who are anti-oligarchy. He argues that the 'Elephant Cage' strategy will be effective if it does not stop at symbolic recruitment.

"The party needs modern management, transparent governance, and a meritocratic cadre system. The entry of veteran politicians should be a momentum for the professionalization of the party, not just electoral expansion. This is where leadership quality is tested," he said.

He continued to manage a modern political party (parpol) which requires the application of the principles of good party governance, including financial transparency, a merit-based cadre system, and healthy internal democracy. The party must be professional, utilize up-to-date data for constituency mapping, and consistently carry out political education and the absorption of public aspirations to build long-term trust.

In addition to that, Pieter Zulkifli reminded that the large number of elites to PSI actually has the potential to give birth to factions and hinder the work of the party machine if there is no competence and does not understand party management.

He stated that kaderisasi without adequate political education and a wrong recruitment system would only produce a fat but fragile structure, making electoral work slow and not solid.

"Without organizational discipline and measurable performance standards, expansion can actually turn into an internal burden," he said.

He also said that Kaesang Pangarep's figure as chairman of the general meeting carried a double burden, namely proving that PSI is not just an extension of the shadow of a political family, but an institution that stands on the basis of accountable governance.

"As Peter Drucker said, 'Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things'. PSI needs both, neat management and leadership that is valuable.

"Furthermore, this exodus of elites opens up a golden opportunity for PSI to organize itself as a democratic and open party," he said.

Pieter Zulkifli added that the background of many cadres demands a healthy internal mechanism, such as differences of opinion must be managed through a deliberative forum, not transactional compromise.

He then alluded to Jokowi's statement who had reminded about the importance of tolerance and one vision when the party was more inclusive. According to him, the message was not a mere formality but an early warning of internal friction.

"If PSI fails to manage diversity of interests, the 'Elephant Cage' can turn into a tug-of-war arena for factions. But if it is managed professionally, this party has the opportunity to jump from a marginal party to a middle-class power in one election cycle," he said.

Pieter Zulkifli emphasized that PSI must be a party that does not provide room for compromise on corruption. The recruitment of old elites must also be accompanied by a strong ethical commitment.

"PSI has built an anti-corruption image from the beginning; now the real test begins. As Nelson Mandela said, 'A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination'. Politics without morality is just empty calculations," he said.

Pieter Zulkifli said the migration of senior cadres was ultimately a reflection of Indonesia's increasingly fluid politics. Loyalty is no longer entirely ideological, but strategic. In this landscape, he said, the party that is able to read the wind direction while maintaining the moral compass will survive.

He believes that PSI is trying to paddle two interests at once: strengthening electoral existence and taking care of the influence of big figures behind it.

"Will this step lead them to break into parliament in 2029? The answer depends on one thing: whether the 'Elephant Enclosure' is only a short-term electoral project or the foundation of a modern party that is democratic, open, and firmly prohibits corruption in all forms," he said.

"That's where the real stakes are. It's not just how many elites move house, but how far PSI is able to build a decent house to live in democracy," concluded Pieter Zulkifli.