JAKARTA: Former president Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo is planning to embark on a nationwide political road show as his health condition has improved significantly, according to his largest supporter group, aiming to visit eastern Indonesia regions as the first destination of his tour.
Freddy Alex Damanik, the secretary-general of ProJo, the largest group of Jokowi supporters, revealed that the plan was discussed during a meeting between the former president and group chair Budi Arie Setiadi in Jakarta on May 1.
Also attending the meeting were leaders of other volunteer groups. “Pak Jokowi has told us his health condition has recovered by 99 per cent,” Freddy told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday (May 13).
“Starting in June, he plans to travel around Indonesia to greet the people.” He added that the first destination had not yet been finalised, although volunteers and community leaders from various regions have already requested Jokowi to come to their regions.
The former president is expected to be accompanied by members of local Projo chapters throughout the visit.
“Pak Jokowi is still studying the proposals, but most likely the first visits will be in eastern Indonesia,” Freddy said.
When asked whether Jokowi would be joined by other family members such as former first lady Iriana Widodo, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka or Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) chair Kaesang Pangarep, Freddy said the arrangements would depend on circumstances.
“I don’t know exactly whether he will be accompanied by family members or not. It depends on the situation and he remains flexible,” he went on to say.
“But, usually, when he goes to meet grassroot communities, he is more often accompanied only by volunteers.”
The broader goal for Jokowi’s tour was to keep his emotional connection with the public alive, maintain his image as a leader of the people and signal continuity in his public role despite no longer holding office.
“In Indonesian politics, emotional closeness is often stronger than formal positions,” Freddy said.
He added that Jokowi also wanted to maintain communication with regional leaders, business figures and grassroots groups, while keeping his political influence relevant.
Since leaving office in October 2024, Jokowi has significantly reduced his public appearances. On several occasions, he was seen with visible swelling, discolouration and inflammation on his face and neck, raising speculation as to a possible serious medical condition.
Jokowi’s personal aide, Comr. Syarif Muhammad Fitriansyah, dismissed last year a circulating rumour that the former president was suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare but serious disorder often caused by allergic reactions.
He further claimed the symptoms seen were the result of a mild skin allergy. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
