Projo Debates Jusuf Kalla's Statement on Jokowi
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated that he played a role in Joko Widodo’s journey to becoming the 7th President. That statement by Kalla was debated by Projo, a community organisation supporting Jokowi.
Projo’s Secretary General, Freddy Alex Damanik, said his organisation respects Kalla. According to Freddy, Kalla made a real contribution during the 2014 Presidential Election when the Jokowi-JK pair won against Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa.
However, Projo rejects the claim that Jokowi’s victory in the presidential election was due to the role of one individual alone. Freddy claimed that Jokowi became president due to the will of the Indonesian people. “Our democracy is not built on the role of one individual, but on the collective work of various elements of the nation,” said Freddy in a written statement on Sunday, 19 April 2026.
Freddy stated that Jokowi’s success cannot be separated from his track record. “His leadership, which was born from the bottom, real work, and closeness to the people, these factors are the main foundation of public trust,” he said.
In addition, he highlighted the role of volunteer organisations to political parties in winning Jokowi. Freddy also asked that the process not be simplified.
In a press conference on Saturday, Jusuf Kalla vented his frustration towards parties who often discredit his relationship with Jokowi. JK reminded of his vital role in bringing Jokowi to the national political stage. “Tell everyone that the origin is me. Jokowi became President because of me. Agree? Agree. Without a governor, how could he become president,” said JK at his residence in South Jakarta on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
JK also questioned the decision of PDIP General Chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri to nominate Jokowi. He recounted his experience when asked by Megawati to accompany Jokowi in the 2014 Presidential Election.
According to JK, Jokowi did not yet have enough experience to be assigned as head of state. “Only two years as Governor (of Jakarta),” said Kalla during the press conference at his home in the South Jakarta area on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
JK once advised the general chairman of the bull party to reconsider nominating the former Solo Mayor. “Not enough experience yet, it will ruin this country,” said this 10th and 12th period vice president.