Jokowi: From Rags to RI 1

Americans proudly call their nation a land of opportunity where ‘the pursuit of happiness’ is enshrined in US Declaration of Independence and American Dream is cherished. Australia prides herself in a rule of law where everyone should have a “fair go” at work regardless of race, gender, country of origin, political affiliation and sexual orientation.

On 22nd July 2014, the 3rd largest democracy in the world proved that ‘Indonesian Dream’ does exist as Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was declared a winner of presidential election and soon to be sworn as the new Indonesia president on 20th October 2014.

Born and raised in the city of Surakarta near the riverside, he grew up in poverty and shared the hardship of the poor. He worked his way through primary school to earn enough money for school material. Despite his un-privileged background; he managed to continue his education and graduated from forestry faculty of Gadjah Mada University. His furniture business later provided a turning point for better life and arguably a springboard for his political career. Direct election by the people and the spread of information made it possible for a man of humble background like Jokowi  to reach RI 1 (Indonesian presidential office).

True, some world leaders were born poor and still managed to achieve high station in life. A former US president Bill Clinton, for instance, was born poor and raised in broken family. He was even dubbed as ‘the first black president’ in reference to his upbringing, parallel to negative stereotype of poor black family.

But Jokowi is different. To appreciate his rise from rags to RI 1, we need to understand the prevailing norm of respective country. In developed country like US or Australia, the rules of law are enforced indiscriminately. It’s not uncommon to see high ranking government officials to step down voluntarily out of shame for alleged corruption (e.g. 43rd NSW premier’s Barry O’Farrell infamous “wine gate”) or at least make themselves available to official inquiry. The grass root citizens despise money politics and not afraid to exercise their right of free speech for change.

Indonesian political landscape and voters is a different beast. Whilst Indonesia is still struggling to stomp out rampant corruption, a prominent parliament member vehemently recommended the dissolution of KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) and his party defended his stance in the name of free speech. Indeed, from the first president to Yudhoyono,  Istana Negara has always been ruled by ex-military background and individuals close to elite political ties. To occupy Istana Negara is not to rock the boat of special interests.

Most Indonesian poor don’t care who gets elected as long as they get free T-shirt, food and money. Six teen years have passed since 1998 Reformation and the majority of them still struggle to make the ends meet. Cynicism also runs deep in middle class Indonesians. Whoever the winner is kowtowing to special interests behind anyway, just another 5 yearly circus called election.

But somehow Jokowi managed to give an air of change for better Indonesia; free of corruption, greater government transparency and lifting up the standard of living for the poor (after all, he was one of them). His clean record and a number of successful reforms during his tenure as a mayor of Surakarta and governor of Jakarta convinced the people of Indonesia that he is worthy to lead. Never before volunteers propped up everywhere at record level (I repeat, volunteers not paid supporters) to campaign for presidential candidate and fight back smear dirty campaigns. Never before the normally apatetic voters lined up for hours to voting booth, for although full of doubts due to disappointment of past administrations, they secretly hope this would be truly a change for clean leadership they have been yearning for.

Some compare Jokowi’s political raise to Obama’s. Although they both engendered a sense of optimism in their campaign, their success attribute can’t be more contrast. Obama is a gifted orator; he owed his success partly to this gift. You can’t help not to feel pumped up after listening to his baritone voice and speeches even though you don’t necessarily agree with his political view. The same can be said to Prabowo Subianto, Jokowi’s presidential rival, who mirrored his image and oratory tone to Indonesian charismatic first president, Soekarno.

A soft spoken skinny man with thick Javanese accent, Jokowi reminds us more of typical Indonesian farmer than presidential candidate. If there’s strong similarity between Obama and Jokowi, it would be their youthfulness (both are aged 53 in 2014) and their success in capitalizing voters’ desire to have a brand new leadership for the country.

Of course history still has a long way to judge Jokowi’s presidency. But at the very least, he gives Indonesian people a glimmer hope that the highest privilege to serve is not necessarily reserved for the political elites.

With Koalisi Merah Putih (red and white coalition) domination in parliament seeking to change election rules, he would need ‘people power’ he can muster to break potential deadlocks in parliament and, to quote Lincoln, ensure that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from Indonesia.

Godspeed Mr. President, may the following prayer be with you in Istana Negara:

"I pray to heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof."

John Adams - 2nd President of the United States, Letter to Abigail dated02/11/1800, on moving into the White House

Hendra Makgawinata

Sydney, 19/10/14