THE country’s largest party has officially expelled former president Joko Widodo after he spurned the party’s own candidate in February elections and backed Prabowo Subianto’s successful campaign to become the leader of South-East Asia’s biggest economy.
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri made the decision to expel Jokowi, as the former leader is popularly known, along with his eldest son and son-in-law, according to senior party official Komarudin Watubun.
More than two dozen party members were also dismissed.
“I have received direct orders from the chairwoman to officially announce the dismissals,” Watabun said in a video received by Bloomberg News.
While Jokowi’s falling out with his old party had played out in public, the expulsion will fuel speculation about his plans as he looks to preserve his legacy and dynasty after a decade in power.
Analysts have said the still- popular politician may form his own party or join another political group to build his family’s support base.
After twice defeating Prabowo in presidential polls, Jokowi backed his formal rival in this year’s election, with his eldest son successfully running to be Prabowo’s vice-president.
He has also secured influence through the election of his son-in-law as governor of North Sumatra, while several of his former key ministers are now in Prabowo’s Cabinet.
PDI-P, which backed Jokowi in two presidential campaigns, alleged that he intervened in a controversial Constitutional Court ruling that paved the way for his eldest son to run to be vice-president. Jokowi has long denied these allegations. — Bloomberg
