Joko Widodo, or Jokowi as he is popularly known, was re-elected President of Indonesia in the April 2019 elections, winning 55.5% of the vote and will serve his second and final term until 2024.
Birth: 21 June 1961 (Age: 62)
Source of Influence: Political
Influence: Leader of 274 million citizens and residents of Indonesia
School of Thought: Traditional Sunni
Status: Featured in current year
Joko Widodo, or Jokowi as he is popularly known, was re-elected President of Indonesia in the April 2019 elections, winning 55.5% of the vote and will serve his second and final term until 2024. Running against an opponent who questioned his Islamic creÂdentials, President Widodo selected Maâruf Amin as running mate. Maâruf Amin is the leader of the InÂdonesian Ulema Council, the countryâs top Muslim clerical body.
Background:Â President Widodo is the first IndoÂnesian president not to be from the military or the political elite. He comes from a humble background of Javanese descent. His father had a small furniture business, which often couldnât make ends meet. They struggled to put him through university, where he graduated in the field of forestry. After graduation, Widodo worked for three years in the forestry service of a state enterprise in Aceh before returning to his family business.
Successful and âCleanâ Politician:Â Widodo was the mayor of Surakarta before becoming the governor of Jakarta in September 2012. As a successful mayor, he enjoyed a close relationship with his constituents. He focused on promoting the city as a centre of Javanese culture, but also developed the public transport sysÂtem, healthcare and business relations with the comÂmunity. He forged a reputation for being a âcleanâ politician, avoiding the charges of corruption and nepotism which plague most politicians.
Governor of Jakarta:Â His political success continÂued with his election as governor of Jakarta. He was equally successful as governor, making meaningful reforms in education, public transportation, revampÂing street vendors and traditional markets, and imÂplementing flood control.
Presidential candidacy:Â Various awards (3rd place in the 2012 World Mayor Prize, one of the âTop 10 Indonesian Mayors of 2008â) testify to his success as mayor and governor, and there was little surprise when Megawati Sukarnoputri, the former President of Indonesia, chose Widodo to be the presidential candidate of the PDI-P party. He has also enjoyed the support of many musicians and artists (he himÂself is reported to enjoy heavy metal music), and this helped him greatly in his presidential campaign.
Blusukan Culture: President Widodo has become well-known for impromptu visits to see and hear directly from people in local communities. This has allowed him to directly address their concerns and criticisms, allowing him to develop a strong personal relationship with the public.
Future Prospects:Â Although economic growth has not been as expected, strong investment in infraÂstructure and social services ensure that Widodo still enjoys strong support amongst the populace. He is also still seen as an honest leader and oversaw a sucÂcessful 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
âFor me, democracy must deliver a better life for the people.â
78 million followers on social media
8 World Heritage sites