For President Joko Widodo, family is an extraordinary source of energy, as we learn in the first of this two-part series
It is not without reason that President Joko Widodo was willing to take part in the opening ceremony of the recent 2018 Asian Games, which proved to be both lively and spectacular. Apparently driving a large motorcycle and sporting a leather biker’s jacket, Jokowi drove to the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium where the event was held. His unconventional stunts were considered successful and impressed millions, immediately making his name a trending topic on social media and on the world’s political stage. Hundreds of comments from local and foreign media were penned and cemented his position as a popular leader—yet still down-to-earth and close to the people.
Since being elected president, Jokowi has indeed acted like a powerful magnet that has wrought huge change in Indonesia, such as his and his ministers’ action on the most serious problems facing the Indonesian economy, which slowly but surely managed to force the US dollar to kneel at the feet of the rupiah.
Meanwhile, various forms of political communication, from “dining table politics” to sipping tea on the palace veranda to wearing a sarong as a symbol of the santri in the country, have been successful in changing the perception of the presidential palace that had previously been described as full of formality and protocol. Jokowi has an aura of straightforwardness: without make-up, polished politics, or falsehood. He presents himself as he is.
Another thing that might amaze the minds of many is Jokowi’s stamina, which is extraordinary. In the morning, he might be spotted in one place; later in the evening, he could be on another island or indeed in another country. In the afternoon, he might mingle with a particular community; in the evening, he may gather with a different group of people—and often people from different professions.
