My Thoughts About Joko Widodo (President of Indonesia)

Joko Widodo is a unique president. Even though he is a head of state, he doesn't look like a leader of country. His simple appearance makes others not awkward when dealing with him. His calm personality makes him liked by the people.

I have several thoughts about him. These are as follows.

He has multiple representations. Those are a Javanese, a part of marginal class, and a successful entrepreneur. Not everyone has them in one self.

Joko Widodo
Source: https://www.pinterpolitik.com/puji-jokowi-untuk-si-pembenci/

He has a strong personal branding. He builds personal branding through spectacular actions and policies. He started it when he was still Mayor of Solo. At the time, he promoted an Esemka car. When he became Governor of Jakarta, he entered sewers. As President of Indonesia, he made Indonesia taking over shares of Freeport. This great personal branding makes his character increasingly inherent in mind of Indonesian people.

He successfully changing his image. Initially, it is a president controlled by others. But, the figure had turned into a strict leader. It was deliberately changed through some decisions that were not dictated by others. One of them is not inagurating Budi Gunawan as the National Police Chief. Whereas, he got a recommendation from Megawati Soekarnoputri (chairman of PDIP) to hold the position.

Joko Widodo and Megawati Soekarnoputri
Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/nasional.tempo.co/amp/907898/geramnya-megawati-ketika-jokowi-dituding-pki

The president has a good communication with the poor. He can talk to the impoverished without a gap. Absolutely no rigidity. It's different from other presidents. They look stiff when talking with a lower class.

He gives a color to a political scene in Indonesia. In general, a president only takes care strategist matters. But, he is different. He doesn't hesitate to supervise trivial cases. He does it because he wants every job is well done.