Jokowi Officially Enthroned as Elder of the Timor Kings in Kupang

The 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), has officially been bestowed with the title of Elder of the Timor Kings after being enthroned by eight monarchs who hold territories on Timor Island. The enthronement ceremony took place in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Saturday (1/8/2026).

The ceremony was held as part of the Elephant Carnival festivities at the Lahi Lai Besi Kopan (LLBK) beach area in Kupang. The King of Amanatun, Jonathan Banunaek, stated that the title was conferred directly by eight kings possessing royal territories on Timor Island.

“One King of Amarasi was absent, but all eight others were present. Therefore, the enthronement was conducted by the eight kings who hold territorial sovereignty,” said Jonathan. He detailed the participating monarchs as the Kings of Wewiku-Wehal, Amanatun, Amanuban, Mollo, Biboki, Bikomi Nilulat, Amfoang, and Nisnoni.

Jokowi’s arrival at the event was met with enthusiasm by thousands of residents who had gathered at the LLBK coastline since the afternoon. Upon arrival, crowds pressed forward to shake hands and take photographs with him. Jokowi was seen greeting waving citizens and distributing several T-shirts to the public. Upon ascending the stage, he was adorned with a traditional Timor headdress and NTT woven cloth before being surrounded by the Timor Kings. One by one, the kings offered prayers and placed traditional Timor scarves around Jokowi’s neck. Through this procession, Jokowi officially received this customary honour as the Elder of the Timor Kings.