Joko Widodo: The Evolution from Democratic Hopeful to Indonesia's Key Political Influence

Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, became Indonesia's president in 2014, winning the election with his "man of the people" image. He was the first non-political and military elite leader in the country. Widodo's victory was fueled by people's frustrations with corruption and nepotism in Indonesia's young democracy. He was seen as a symbol of hope for a better democracy, and Time magazine even hailed him as "the new face of Indonesian democracy." During his ten-year tenure, Widodo, now 62, has achieved significant economic growth and infrastructure development, with Indonesia's GDP growing by 43%. His government has built airports, ports, dams, and toll roads, contributing to the country's rise as the world's sixth-largest economy by 2027. Despite being in a position of power, Widodo maintained a close connection with the people through his impromptu visits to understand their needs and grievances. However, Widodo's legacy has been overshadowed by allegations of attempting to build a political dynasty through his eldest son. By endorsing his son's running mate, controversial ex-general Prabowo Subianto, Widodo has faced criticism for contradicting his earlier statements about not channeling power to his children. Critics believe that if his son is elected vice-president, he would serve as a proxy for his father. Furthermore, Widodo's administration faced international backlash for reviving the death penalty for drug traffickers, resulting in 14 executions within six months of his tenure. His re-election bid in 2019 raised eyebrows when he chose Islamic cleric Ma'ruf Amin as his running mate. He also appointed Prabowo as defense minister, a move criticized by human rights groups due to Prabowo's alleged involvement in human rights abuses. Despite these controversies, Widodo has asserted Indonesia's presence on the global stage. Indonesia hosted the first meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit in 2022. Widodo's efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine also demonstrated his commitment to diplomatic solutions. However, some critics argue that his attempts to tackle Indonesia's food crisis and push for peace in Myanmar have yielded limited results. Widodo's legacy is complex. While he has achieved economic growth and enhanced Indonesia's international profile, his perceived failure to uphold democratic values and allegations of political dynasties have tarnished his reputation. Nevertheless, he remains popular, with approval ratings consistently above 70%. As he prepares to step down after his second term, his status as Indonesia's most popular president will likely endure.