Jokowi's Cutting Response to JK for Highlighting His Major Role
Vice President of Indonesia’s 10th and 12th administrations, Jusuf Kalla (JK), claimed his role behind the success of Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in becoming Indonesia’s 7th President. The statement was met with a brief response from Jokowi.
“Yes, I’m nobody. I’m just a villager,” said Jokowi when met by reporters at his residence in Sumber, Banjarsari, Solo, on Monday (20/4/2026), quoted from detikJateng.
When asked about JK’s statement claiming the country is in ruins because he became president, Jokowi declined to comment further.
“It’s not for me to judge,” he said.
Quoted from detikNews on Monday (20/4/2026), JK previously expressed irritation over accusations from Rismon Sianipar that he funded the diploma case of Indonesia’s 7th President.
The statement was made by JK when asked about the police report regarding his lecture video on ‘dying as a martyr’ at UGM. JK was questioned whether he felt politicised in the case.
JK said he did not want to speculate, but he believed the polemic arose after he reported Rismon Sianipar to the police over allegations of funding Jokowi’s diploma case.
He also revealed that he had been contacted several times by Rismon and Roy Suryo, but always refused because he wanted to remain neutral amid the heated fake diploma issue surrounding Jokowi.
“This matter with Rismon has involved everyone; I’m accused, Puan is accused, SBY is accused, whoever. It’s just a diversion. So why am I angry? Especially since I’m accused of giving Rp 5 billion—where did I give Rp 5 billion? I don’t even know him, I’ve never met him. Here’s the proof from the WhatsApp. I didn’t say that,” said JK, quoted from detikNews on Monday (20/4).
In his statement, JK also alluded to his important role in Jokowi’s political career. He claimed to be the figure who brought Jokowi from Solo to the Jakarta political stage.
JK said he was the one who proposed Jokowi’s name to PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri for the Jakarta Regional Head Election (Pilkada).
In fact, JK emphasised his role in Jokowi’s victory up to becoming Indonesia’s 7th President.
“Tell everyone that fundamentally, Jokowi became president because of me,” said JK.