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Joko Widodo

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Joko Widodo is a prominent Indonesian politician and businessman. He served as the seventh president of Indonesia from 2014 to 2024.

Joko Widodo with presidential decorations (2nd period)
Joko Widodo with presidential decorations (2nd period)

He is widely known by his mononym, Jokowi. His presidency was significant because he was the first president not to come from the country's traditional political or military elite. This marked a shift in how leadership was chosen in Indonesia. He focused his administration on economic growth and large-scale infrastructure development. He also promoted ambitious agendas for national health and education.

Jokowi's early life in Surakarta heavily influenced his political goals. He was born Mulyono on 21 June 1961. He grew up in a riverside slum, which shaped his understanding of poverty.

Jokowi blusukan
Jokowi blusukan

His family moved between different rented homes during his youth. This experience later led him to organize low-income housing projects as a leader. He graduated from Gadjah Mada University in 1985. Before entering politics, he built a successful career in the furniture industry. He established a company called Rakabu that exported teak furniture to international markets. A French customer even gave him the nickname "Jokowi."

Official Portrait of Joko Widodo as the Mayor of Surakarta
Official Portrait of Joko Widodo as the Mayor of Surakarta

His political career began at the local level in Surakarta. He served as the mayor of Surakarta from 2005 to 2012. During this time, he became known for a style called *blusukan*. This term refers to making unannounced, impromptu visits to local areas.

Jokowi blusukan
Jokowi blusukan

Through these visits, he listened directly to the issues of ordinary citizens. As mayor, he renovated traditional markets and built pedestrian walkways. He also launched healthcare and education insurance programs for all residents. He even prohibited his own family from bidding on city projects to prevent corruption. This approach helped him win a second term with 90.09% of the vote in 2010.

In 2012, Jokowi moved to the capital to serve as the governor of Jakarta. He worked alongside his deputy, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama. As governor, he continued his focus on improving the city's bureaucracy. He worked to reduce corruption and introduced a universal healthcare program. To address the city's environmental issues, he dredged the main river to reduce flooding. He also began the construction of the city's subway system. These local successes helped build his reputation on the national stage. By 2014, he was ready to run for the presidency.

Jokowi was nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) for the 2014 election. He chose Jusuf Kalla as his running mate. He won the election against his opponent, Prabowo Subianto.

After his inauguration on 20 October 2014, he focused on massive infrastructure projects. He built roads, bridges, and ports across various parts of Indonesia. Because of this focus, he earned the nickname "Father of Indonesian Infrastructure." His administration also emphasized protecting Indonesia's sovereignty. This included sinking illegal foreign fishing vessels in Indonesian waters. He also prioritized the scheduling of capital punishment for drug smugglers, despite protests from countries like Australia and France.

He was re-elected in 2019 for a second five-year term. He again defeated Prabowo Subianto in that election. During his second term, he worked on the "Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision." This is a long-term plan for the country's future. One of his most ambitious projects was the plan to relocate the national capital to Nusantara. While he left office with a 75% approval rating, his presidency was viewed in different ways. Supporters praised the steady economic growth and social welfare programs. However, critics raised concerns about democratic backsliding and environmental impacts. They also pointed to the rise of political dynasticism toward the end of his term.

The end of his presidency involved complex political shifts. In the 2024 election, analysts noted that Jokowi appeared to favor Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo ran with Jokowi's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

While Jokowi made public appearances with them, he did not give a formal endorsement. There were allegations regarding the misuse of state resources to help their campaign. The Constitutional Court rejected claims of electoral fraud, but the situation caused tension. This tension led to his formal ousting from the PDI-P in December 2024. His legacy remains a mix of major physical development and intense political debate.

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🖼️ Images & Media (37)
File:Official Portrait of Joko Widodo as the Mayor of Surakarta.jpg
Official Portrait of Joko Widodo as the...
File:Mayor of Surakarta and Vice Mayor of Surakarta in wayang costumes.jpg
Mayor of Surakarta and Vice Mayor of...
File:Jokowi blusukan.jpg
Jokowi blusukan.jpg
File:Jokowi selfie with Prabowo and reporters.jpg
Jokowi selfie with Prabowo and reporters.jpg
File:Joko Widodo Palu earthquake Petobo residential.jpg
Joko Widodo Palu earthquake Petobo residential.jpg
File:Tolak Omnibus Law.jpg
Tolak Omnibus Law.jpg
File:Joko Widodo at the opening ceremony of COP26 (10).jpg
Joko Widodo at the opening ceremony of...
File:P20221114AS-0411 (52650920511).jpg
P20221114AS-0411 (52650920511).jpg
File:Jokowi Xi Jinping 2015.jpg
Jokowi Xi Jinping 2015.jpg
File:Marcoses and Jokowi 3.jpg
Marcoses and Jokowi 3.jpg
File:2024 Indonesian local election law protests, 22 August 2024, Jeromi Mikhael 85.jpg
2024 Indonesian local election law...
File:2024 Indonesian local election law protests, 22 August 2024, Jeromi Mikhael 55.jpg
2024 Indonesian local election law...

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