Budi Arie Chooses Gerindra Over PSI: Jokowi’s Appeal Waning, Analyst Says

JAKARTA – Political analyst dedi Kurnia Syah, executive Director of Indonesia Political Opinion (IPO), believes Budi Arie Setiadi, recently appointed as the General Chair of Projo volunteers, found the association with former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to be less appealing than it once was.

This shift in perception, according to Dedi, explains Budi Arie’s decision to join the Gerindra Party rather of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI).

Dedi argues that both Jokowi’s declining influence and PSI’s relatively weak political standing factored into Budi’s choice.

“Jokowi is no longer as attractive now that he’s out of office. Even his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, doesn’t hold notable sway,” Dedi told Kompas.com on Sunday. “Budi Arie’s loyalty isn’t to Jokowi; it’s about calculating gains and losses. He’s a pragmatic politician.”

Related: Projo Previously Planned to Become a Political Party, now Focuses on Supporting Jokowi’s Legacy