Jusuf Kalla: Jokowi Became President Because of Me

Jakarta, VIVA – The 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, has candidly revealed his role in the political journey of the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Amid the controversy involving his name, JK instead opened up about the early moments when he pushed Jokowi onto the national political stage. During a press conference at his residence on Jalan Brawijaya, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Saturday, 18 April 2026, JK emphasised that he was the first to bring Jokowi from Solo to Jakarta, leading to his becoming Governor of DKI Jakarta. “Who brought Jokowi to Jakarta? I brought him to Jakarta from Solo, to become governor. I brought him,” said JK, quoted on Sunday, 19 April 2026. He recounted how he convinced the General Chair of PDIP, Megawati Soekarnoputri, to nominate Jokowi as a gubernatorial candidate. “Mother, here is a good PDIP candidate,” said JK, imitating his words at the time. According to JK, the decision was not easy. However, in the end, Jokowi successfully ran and won the DKI Jakarta regional election. “And so he became governor,” he said. It did not stop there; JK also claimed his role continued until Jokowi became President of Indonesia. He assessed that the governor’s position was the main gateway to the presidency. “Jokowi became president because of me. Without being governor, how could he become president?” he stated. JK even revealed that Jokowi once came directly to his house to express thanks after being elected governor. “He came to the house to say thank you,” he said. Nevertheless, JK dismissed the notion that he is now at odds with Jokowi. He stressed that he has never attacked the President. “Have I accused Mr Jokowi? Is there any? Have I opposed Mr Jokowi? No,” JK asserted firmly. According to him, the statements he made now are the attitude of a senior to a junior, not a political attack. “I am older than him. So as someone more senior, I advise him,” said JK. This statement from JK emerged amid the heating up of the controversy over President Jokowi’s diploma, which he had previously touched upon. However, he emphasised that their relationship is not based on personal conflict.