JAKARTA – Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo continued his safari to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Friday (July 31). However, there was a noticeable difference as he departed from Adi Soemarmo Airport in Solo. Jokowi appeared in a simple white shirt without any attributes of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), unlike his previous visit to Lampung where he wore a PSI-logo shirt and cap.
His appearance drew attention as it suggested that this visit was more focused on meeting the public rather than highlighting a political identity. In a video circulating online, Jokowi was seen greeting residents and members of the media before departing for NTT.
PSI previously announced that Jokowi’s political safari in NTT would begin on July 31. However, the party did not disclose in detail the locations or figures he would meet. The public was asked to wait for the series of activities to unfold.
PSI also stated that Jokowi’s visit to NTT was not only to fulfill the party’s agenda but also to respond to numerous invitations from local communities across the region. Therefore, the series of activities will take place in more than one location.
Jokowi’s decision to appear without party attributes was seen as reinforcing the impression that this safari places greater emphasis on direct engagement with the public. His presence among local communities was viewed as conveying the message that communication with the people does not always have to be framed by political symbols, but can instead be carried out through direct dialogue and face-to-face interactions.
During nearly a decade of leading Indonesia, NTT became one of the provinces Jokowi visited quite frequently. Various national strategic projects, including the construction of Raknamo Dam, Napun Gete Dam, Temef Dam, the development of Labuan Bajo as a tourism destination, as well as improvements to roads and port infrastructure, became part of the government’s focus during his presidency. That close relationship has left Jokowi with a strong base of public support in several parts of NTT.
Although he has completed his term as president, public enthusiasm for each of his visits remains high. In many of the places he visits, residents continue to gather to greet him, take photographs, and convey their aspirations directly. This phenomenon shows that Jokowi remains a public figure with considerable appeal and influence among the people.
The safari to NTT is a continuation of Jokowi’s visits to several regions after previously visiting Lampung at the end of June. The visit is expected to last for several days and include a series of activities with local communities at various locations across NTT.
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