Jokowi's Act of Stepping on a Buffalo Head Deemed Symbolic, Here is PDIP's Response

The Chairman of the Central Leadership Board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Mohammad Guntur Romli, has commented on the actions of Indonesia’s 7th president, Joko Widodo, during a visit to Lampung on Saturday (27/6/2026). Attention was drawn to the moment the figure familiarly known as Jokowi stepped on a severed buffalo head whilst receiving an honorary title specific to Lampung customs. According to Guntur Romli, the scene was laden with symbolic value and political meaning. He then linked it to a previous statement from a colleague regarding an assessment of Jokowi’s character after he was no longer president of Indonesia. ‘What Jokowi did in the circulating photo (stepping on a buffalo head –Ed) further proves the truth of the dissertation of PDIP DPP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto that Jokowi built his leadership identity as a blend of the triangle of authoritarian populism, combining feudalism by perceiving himself as a king; populism by distributing envelopes and basic food packages to attract the people; and a Machiavellian character that places power above all else,’ Guntur explained, as quoted from a written statement on Sunday (28/6/2026). He highlighted the alleged tendency for power consolidation within Jokowi’s family circle. Guntur also touched upon the position of Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who currently serves as Vice President of Indonesia. Gibran’s rise to the vice-presidential seat drew widespread scrutiny because it was preceded by a Constitutional Court (MK) ruling process deemed controversial by various circles. ‘It is no wonder that even after being president for two terms, he made his son Gibran Vice President through MK manipulation; his son-in-law Bobby the Governor of North Sumatra; and Kaesang the General Chairman of PSI,’ he said. According to Guntur, the moment of Jokowi stepping on the buffalo head was also full of symbolism. The buffalo head that Jokowi stepped on, he continued, represented a critique of Jokowi’s supporters and the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), whom Guntur considers ‘lulled’ by the leadership figure, whereas what is actually emerging is a drive to expand the family’s political influence. ‘The buffalo head being stepped on symbolises Jokowi’s followers and PSI who are beguiled behind the king’s behaviour, when in reality it is an ambition for limitless power for Jokowi’s family,’ he concluded.