Jokowi Begins National Tour in Lampung as Analysts Read 2029 Political Signals
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Indonesia’s seventh president, is scheduled to begin his national tour with a visit to Lampung Province on 26 June 2026. Lampung has been chosen as the first stop on this nationwide itinerary.
Relly Reagen, Chairman of the Brigade Rakyat Nusantara (BRN), stated that the selection of Lampung was not arbitrary. He highlighted the historical and emotional connection between Jokowi and the region since the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections.
“Lampung holds a special place for President Jokowi. The province’s strong support for him since the first and second presidential elections has been significant. Additionally, numerous Jokowi-era development projects have been completed in Lampung,” Relly said in a statement on Saturday (30 May).
During his stay in Lampung, Jokowi is planned to meet with community leaders, customary figures, attend cultural events, and interact with residents across various districts.
On the first day, he is scheduled to meet community and customary leaders in Central Lampung, followed by a visit to a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) and Friday prayers at Masjid Istiqlal Bandarjaya.
“In the afternoon, President Jokowi is also set to meet residents in Kota Gajah District,” Relly added.
On the second day, Jokowi will attend a cultural carnival in Bandar Lampung City. Relly explained the event’s concept draws from a previous cultural procession organised by the Solidarity Party (PSI) in Tegal, Central Java.
“The concept is similar to the Tegal cultural procession to make it more vibrant. Lampung’s culture will be showcased, alongside other supporting cultures,” he said.
The agenda continues with meetings with customary and community leaders, visits to the Kedatuan Kagungan Museum in Sepang City, and the Transmigration Museum in Gedong Tataan, Pesawaran Regency.
On the third day, Jokowi is scheduled to visit a pesantren in East Lampung and meet with farmers in the Taman Purbakala Pugung Raharjo area.
Relly noted the high public enthusiasm in Lampung was a key reason for choosing the province as the tour’s starting point.
“Many residents wish to meet President Jokowi directly but cannot travel to Solo,” he said.
Meanwhile, M Jamiluddin Ritonga, a political communication analyst at Esa Unggul University, assessed that Jokowi’s national tour carries political dimensions ahead of the 2029 contest.
“Firstly, Jokowi wants to tour Indonesia to demonstrate his remaining mass base. He aims to showcase his political capital is still strong,” Jamiluddin said.
He added the move signals to political parties that Jokowi retains electoral influence and political leverage at the national level.
Jamiluddin also suggested the tour relates to efforts to strengthen PSI’s political position and safeguard the chances of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to again run alongside President Prabowo Subianto in the 2029 election.
“If this materialises, Jokowi’s desire to have his son Gibran continue as Prabowo’s running mate in 2029 has a chance of success,” he stated.
However, he noted Jokowi’s current political standing is not as strong as during his presidency.
“Jokowi is no longer a patron but a controversial figure,” he said. (E-4)
The planned national tour by Indonesia’s seventh president has drawn criticism from PDIP politician Mohamad Guntur Romli, who claims it has no political impact.