The Failure of the Indonesian Solidarity Party in the 2024 Legislative Election of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province

Abstract

This research, titled "The Failure of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) in the
2024 Legislative Election of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province," examines the
PSI’s inability to secure legislative seats in the Provincial Legislative Council
(DPRD). The study aims to identify factors contributing to PSI’s electoral failure
by applying Vicky Randall and Lars Svasand’s theory of party institutionalization.
A descriptive qualitative method was employed, with data collected through
interviews, observations, and documentation. Key informants included
unsuccessful PSI legislative candidates, PSI provincial board officials, political
analysts, and local residents of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. The results
indicated that the primary cause of PSI’s failure lies in weak party
institutionalization at the local level. Internally, the party faced challenges related
to organizational structure and value identity: its structure lacked cohesion and
failed to build robust grassroots support. Additionally, the majority of voters in the
province did not fully embrace PSI's campaign focus on "joyful politics" and
progressive issues. Externally, the party struggled with limited decision-making
autonomy and a tarnished public image. PSI's excessive dependence on particular
statistics and erratic political communication techniques further diminished voter
confidence. The number of parliamentary candidates presented by PSI also affected
electoral results.