Jokowi Receives 'Baginda Pemuka Bangsa' Title in Lampung, What Is Its Meaning?

The Kedatun Keagungan Lampung has revealed the profound meaning behind the awarding of the traditional title ‘Baginda Pemuka Bangsa’ to the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The bestowal of this Lampung customary title was affirmed as the highest form of respect for the former head of state. Lampung traditional leader Mawardi Harirama, who holds the title Sultan Seghayo Dipuncak Nur, explained that the procession of granting a customary title, or ‘muakhi’, has been an inseparable part of Lampung culture for thousands of years. ‘This muakhi (title granting) procession has been going on for thousands of years in Lampung. It is part of the implementation of piil pesenggiri, the Lampung cultural philosophy that prioritises nemui nyimah or maintaining friendly relations,’ Mawardi said during an interview after the title ceremony on Saturday. He added that in the modern era, this tradition is packaged as a cultural procession to strengthen national unity while simultaneously introducing the richness of Lampung’s customs to the national stage. ‘In the village, muakhi is a common thing. However, this time it is packaged as a cultural procession to strengthen the sense of national unity and integrity, as well as to promote Lampung’s traditional culture throughout the archipelago,’ he stated. Mawardi emphasised that the title Baginda Pemuka Bangsa is a symbol of appreciation for Jokowi’s dedication during his leadership of Indonesia. ‘This honorary title is a symbol of appreciation for Jokowi’s service as the 7th President of Indonesia,’ he explained. The title ceremony was also accompanied by special prayers offered by traditional leaders of the Kedatun Keagungan Lampung. When asked about the public’s differing views on Jokowi, Mawardi responded wisely. According to him, everyone is entitled to their own assessment, but Jokowi’s track record of leading Indonesia for two terms is a clear success. ‘The public is diverse, and their thoughts will naturally vary according to their knowledge and experience. But for us, Mr Jokowi successfully led Indonesia for 10 years. Culturally, our assessment is certainly very good,’ he said. The relationship between the Kedatun Keagungan Lampung and Jokowi has been established for a long time. Mawardi recalled a previous meeting at the Bogor Palace to discuss a national-scale agenda. ‘Our relationship was established previously, one of which was when we met at the Bogor Palace to discuss the repatriation of Nusantara palaces,’ he stated. The 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, received the title ‘Baginda Pemuka Bangsa’ in a Lampung traditional procession held at the Kedatun Keagungan on Jalan Sultan Haji, Sepang Jaya Village, Labuhan Ratu District, Bandar Lampung City, on Saturday morning. The traditional brotherhood and title ceremony involved three brotherhoods: Penyeimbang Buwai Pemuka Way Kan, Buwai Subbing Terbanggi Balak, and Buwai Bulan Megow Pak Tulang Bawang. This title ceremony was the main agenda of the second day of Jokowi’s visit to Lampung. The activity was part of a series of cultural agendas during Jokowi’s three-day visit to Lampung Province. After attending the traditional procession, Jokowi continued with several other activities, including attending the Regional Coordination Meeting of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) in Bandar Lampung City and meeting with volunteers. The second day’s agenda concluded with a friendly gathering with PSI administrators and volunteer organisations. The former 7th President is also scheduled to visit the Transmigration Museum in Bagelen Village, Pesawaran Regency, the Gajah Lampung Pavilion, and to observe the activities of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the Maliosewu area. Jokowi’s visit to Lampung Province lasted for three days, from 26 to 28 June 2026. On the first day, Friday, Jokowi attended the PSI Regional Coordination Meeting in Mesuji and Tulang Bawang Regencies, followed by a Cultural Parade or Elephant Carnival. On the final day of his visit to Lampung, Sunday, Jokowi is scheduled to attend the Sekappung Limo Migo Cultural Parade in East Lampung Regency and to meet with kyai and students at several Islamic boarding schools.