Projo Rejects JK's Remarks on 'Jokowi Became President Because of Me'

Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK), who served as Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President, stated that Joko Widodo (Jokowi) became President because of him. Jokowi’s volunteers, Projo, rejected JK’s statement.

As compiled by detikcom on Monday (20/4/2026), the remark came from JK due to his annoyance over accusations by Rismon Sianipar, who claimed JK funded the case regarding President Jokowi’s diploma. JK immediately reminded everyone of his role behind Jokowi’s career up to becoming Indonesia’s 7th President.

JK made this statement when asked about a police report concerning a video of his lecture on ‘dying as a martyr’ at UGM. He was questioned whether he felt politicised by this case.

JK responded by saying he did not want to speculate. However, he felt the issue arose after he reported Rismon Sianipar to the police over the allegations of funding Jokowi’s diploma case.

JK revealed he was contacted several times by Rismon and Roy Suryo but always refused, as he wanted to remain neutral, especially since the fake diploma allegations against Jokowi were heating up. He also expressed his frustration over the prolonged diploma issue dragging in various names.

“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 being accused of giving Rp 5 billion, where did I give Rp 5 billion? I don’t even know him, never met him. Here’s the proof from the WhatsApp. I didn’t say that,” said JK during a press conference at his residence in South Jakarta on Saturday (18/4).

JK also spoke about his crucial role in Jokowi’s political career. He said he was the one who brought Jokowi from Solo to Jakarta.

JK stated that he was the one who proposed Jokowi’s name to PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri for the Jakarta regional election (pilkada). He even claimed that Jokowi became Indonesia’s 7th President because of him.

“Tell everyone, the bottom line is, Jokowi became president because of me,” JK emphasised.

JK also said Jokowi became a presidential candidate at that time because he was JK’s vice presidential running mate. According to him, Megawati would not sign off on Jokowi’s candidacy unless JK was his running mate.

“Well, after two years as Governor, okay, fine, I didn’t interfere, I never visited during his governorship. Suddenly he becomes President, I said, ‘Hey, not enough experience yet, don’t, or the country will be ruined.’ But Ibu Mega told me she wouldn’t sign unless I was his running mate,” he said.

According to JK, Megawati wanted JK to guide Jokowi at that time.

“‘Why must I be the running mate, Ma’am?’ ‘Because Pak JK is the most experienced, guide him.’ Oh, I wanted to go back to the village then, back to Makassar, Ibu Mega said ‘Don’t, Pak Yusuf, accompany him. I won’t sign unless it’s Pak Yusuf.’ It wasn’t me who asked, no. Ibu Mega asked me to accompany because he lacked experience. Understand? So don’t try it. Apologise, tell all those buzzer people. He wouldn’t become Governor if not for me, got it?” JK added.

Projo Rejects

Meanwhile, Projo volunteers immediately rejected JK’s statement. Through its Secretary General, Freddy Damanik, Projo emphasised that Jokowi became President due to the will of the people.

“We respect Bapak Jusuf Kalla as a national figure who has made real contributions to Indonesia’s democratic journey, including in the 2014 presidential election. However, we affirm that Joko Widodo’s victory as President of the Republic of Indonesia is the result of the will and trust of the Indonesian people,” said Projo Secretary General Freddy Alex Damanik in his statement on Sunday (19/4).

Freddy said democracy is not built on the role of one individual but on the collective work of the nation’s elements. According to him, Jokowi was also elected due to his leadership that emerged from the grassroots.

“Joko Widodo’s success cannot be separated from his leadership track record that emerged from below, real work, and closeness to the people. These factors are the main foundation of public trust,” he said.

Freddy also mentioned the role of PDIP as Jokowi’s supporting party. According to him, the role of the bull-logoed party cannot be separated from Jokowi’s 2014 victory.

“As an organisation of volunteers established from the beginning to safeguard people’s leadership, Projo sees that support from volunteers, political parties like the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, and active participation from the wider community are important pillars in that victory,” he stated.

On that basis, Freddy called on all parties to maintain a healthy national narrative. Especially, he said, avoiding personal claims on the democratic process.

“Therefore, we call on all parties to maintain a healthy national narrative, not to simplify the democratic process into personal claims, and to continue upholding the spirit of unity. Indonesia’s democracy belongs to the people, and every victory in that process is a collective victory, not an individual’s,” he said.

Spokesperson Reveals Reason for JK’s Statement

JK’s spokesperson, Husain Abdullah, also commented on JK’s statement. He explained the reason behind JK’s remarks.

Husain Abdullah initially said JK’s statement was made due to frequent accusations of being ungrateful to Jokowi, who appointed him as vice president in 2014. He said JK had long held back on this matter.

“Pak JK’s explanation, which was delivered in a raised tone, was to convince Jokowi’s loyalists who often narrate that JK is ungrateful despite being appointed vice president by Jokowi. Lacking gratitude towards Jokowi. JK is not emotional either. But JK has long restrained himself from opening up about this,” said Husain when contacted on Sunday (19/4).

He said JK was forced to reveal his role, particularly regarding Jokowi’s candidacy in the 2012 Jakarta gubernatorial election. He stated that JK played a role in advancing Jokowi to the capital’s stage.

“Finally, JK was compelled to reveal his role, how he brought Jokowi forward