Jokowi's Traditional Titles Keep Growing, Ahmad Ali: People Remember His Work

The traditional honours received by Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) continue to grow even after his term ended. Most recently, Jokowi was bestowed the title ‘Saudara Raja-Raja Timor’ (Brother of the Kings of Timor) during the Elephant Festival and Carnival in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This accolade adds to a series of traditional honours he has received recently, including a title from the Keagungan Lampung traditional council.

Ahmad Ali, the Daily Chair of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Central Executive Board, asserted that these honours are not merely cultural ceremonies. He believes they represent the people’s appreciation for Jokowi’s leadership. ‘Mr Jokowi may no longer serve as President, but the people remember the results of his hard work. They remember not just the speeches, but the tangible outcomes they experience in their daily lives,’ Ali stated on Tuesday.

In Kupang, the title ‘Saudara Raja-Raja Timor’ was conferred directly by kings from several kingdoms on Timor Island, including Amanatun, Malaka, Amanuban, Mollo, Biboki, Bikomi Nilulat, Amfoang, Kupang, and Amarasi. During the traditional procession, Jokowi received a staff and traditional cloth as symbols of his acceptance into the royal family of Timor Island. Traditional leaders noted that the honour was given in appreciation of the development felt during Jokowi’s administration, particularly in the NTT region. Ali pointed to infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Raknamo, Rotiklot, Napun Gete, and Temef dams, as well as road development, ports, airports, border areas, and the Labuan Bajo tourism area as evidence of this impact.