By The Straits Times | Created at 2024-12-16 14:46:02 | Updated at 2024-12-16 18:57:48
4 hours ago
JAKARTA - Indonesia’s largest party has officially expelled former president Joko Widodo after he spurned the party’s own candidate in the February elections and backed Mr Prabowo Subianto’s successful campaign to become leader of Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.
Ms Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), made the decision to expel the former leader, popularly known as Jokowi, 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,” Mr Watabun said in a video received by Bloomberg News.
While Mr Widodo’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 Mr Prabowo in presidential polls, Mr Widodo backed his formal rival in 2024’s election, with his eldest son successfully running to be Mr 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 Mr Prabowo’s cabinet.
PDI–P, which backed Mr Widodo in two presidential campaigns, alleged that Mr Widodo intervened in a controversial Constitutional Court ruling that paved the way for his eldest son to run to be vice president.
Mr Widodo has long denied these allegations. BLOOMBERG
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