Political psychology of Indonesian political figure: A case study of a political entrepreneur who is not hesitant in paving a new way

An understanding of the personal history of political figures and a disclosure of the social motives behind the public action of a political figure are essential to improve the quality of the citizen's political vote. A comprehensive and balanced analysis is required in this context, and political psychology could play a pivotal role. However, in Indonesia, such efforts are still relatively rare. This study contributes by conducting a case study on a political figure (n = 1), Surya Paloh. The method of personality measurement at a distance was used to compose profile of Surya Paloh with the following arrangements: (1) General psychobiography, (2) Beliefs and reasoning patterns, (3) Cognitive aspects, (4) Social motives, (5) Personality traits, and (6) Leadership Competency, each with its strengths and risks. This research concludes that Surya Paloh is a political entrepreneur, with high neuroticism, high excitement seeking, low compliance, and high achievement striving.