Thousands of Residents Attend Coronation of Jokowi as Elder of the Kings of Timor

Thousands of residents in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), attended the coronation of the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), as the Elder of the Kings of Timor at the coastal area of Lai-Lahi Besi Kopan, Kupang, on Saturday afternoon. The procession took place as part of the Cultural Carnival and Elephant Carnival held along the coast of Lai-Lahi Besi Kopan. The massive influx of residents attending the event caused traffic congestion around the location for several hours.

“The conferment of this honorary customary title was an initiative and an official invitation from the customary stakeholders and the kings of Timor Island,” said the Mayor of Kupang, Christian Widodo. During the traditional procession, kings from six kingdoms on Timor Island took turns presenting a ceremonial staff and traditional attire to Jokowi. These ancestral heirlooms, which had been kept in traditional houses, were brought to the main stage before being presented directly to Jokowi as a symbol of customary respect.

The kings involved in the procession included the King of the Amanatun Kingdom, Jonathan Banunaek; the King of the Malaka Kingdom, Wemrit Nope; the King of the Molo Kingdom, James H. Tualeu Foltai; the King of the Biboki Kingdom, Charles Usboko; the King of the Bikomi Kingdom, Nilulat Aloysius Lake; and the King of the Amfoang Kingdom. For instance, King Jonathan Banunaek presented a souvenir to Jokowi as a symbol of prayers and sincere affection from the people of Timor, while the King of the Malaka Kingdom presented a royal staff. After receiving the customary title, Jokowi returned to his hotel before departing Kupang on Sunday.