Jokowi Responds to JK: I Am Nobody, Just a Village Person

Vice President numbers 10 and 12, Jusuf Kalla or JK, brought up his role behind the success of Joko Widodo (Jokowi) becoming the 7th President. Jokowi said he is nobody and just a village person. “Yes, I am nobody. I am a village person,” said Jokowi at his residence in Banjarsari, Surakarta (Solo), as reported by detikJateng, Monday (20/4/2026). Jokowi declined to comment on JK’s statement claiming the country is ruined because of Jokowi. He said it is not him who assesses that. “The one assessing is not me,” said Jokowi. Previously, JK was annoyed at accusations from Rismon Sianipar who claimed he funded Jokowi’s diploma case. JK reminded of his role behind Jokowi’s career up to becoming the 7th President of Indonesia. This statement was made by JK when he was asked about the police report regarding his sermon video on ‘dying as a martyr’ at UGM. JK was asked if he felt politicised or not with this case. Then, JK answered by saying he did not want to speculate. However, he felt this issue arose after he reported Rismon Sianipar to the police regarding the accusation of funding Jokowi’s diploma case. JK admitted he was contacted several times by Rismon and Roy Suryo, but he always refused. He expressed his annoyance about the prolonged diploma forgery accusation issue that drags in several names. “This Rismon matter has involved everyone, I am accused, Puan is accused, SBY is accused, who else. It’s just a diversion. So why am I angry? Especially accused of giving Rp 5 billion, where did I give Rp 5 billion? I don’t even know if we met, I don’t know him. This is the proof of the WhatsApp. I didn’t say it,” said JK, quoted from detikNews, Monday (20/4). JK spoke about his role in Jokowi’s political career. JK said he is the one who brought Jokowi from Solo to Jakarta. JK said it was he who suggested Jokowi’s name to PDIP Chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri. “I told everyone that, ultimately, Jokowi became president because of me,” said JK.