Endorsing Ganjar? Jokowi Promotes ‘White-Haired Leader’ in Front of Supporters

Asni Ovier
November 26, 2022 | 1:43 pm
SHARE
President Joko Widodo, left, greets Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo at Colomadu Market in Karanganyar, Central Java on November 2,1, 2022. (BTV)
President Joko Widodo, left, greets Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo at Colomadu Market in Karanganyar, Central Java on November 2,1, 2022. (BTV)

Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo told thousands of his supporters on Saturday that the future leader who is prepared to continue his legacy could be someone who has white hair, prompting many to interpret as a disguised endorsement for silver-haired Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo.

The president has remained tight-lipped about who he will support as a potential successor but Ganjar could be a very good bet. Both men are career politicians of the ruling Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and natives of Central Java -- and widely perceived as populist leaders.

“I need to say that a leader who puts the people above all else is physically visible from his face, from his appearance. Wrinkles form on his face because the people always come to his mind. There’s also a leader who thinks only of the people’s interests that his hair grows white,” Jokowi said in a gathering with thousands of supporters at the Bung Karno Stadium in Central Jakarta.

He repeated again the white hair remarks later in the speech.

Advertisement

“I’m saying it again, a populist leader is evident from his appearance, from the wrinkles on his face. Beware of someone with a clean face with no wrinkles. Take a look at his hair -- if it’s fully white then he must be the person who keeps thinking of the people,” Jokowi said.

The president also reminded his supporters to vote for a candidate who is certain to continue with his long-term development agenda.

Read More:

Jokowi, who reaches his presidential term limit in October 2024, will be having a milestone project unfinished by the time he retires. He has historically won the House of Representatives' approval to relocate the national capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan.

It will take years, maybe decades, to complete the infrastructure of the capital city Nusantara and fully move the entire central government functions there.

His political opponents, such as Muslim-based the Social Justice Party (PKS), have openly challenged the capital relocation. The PKS is currently in the process of establishing a coalition with the National Democratic Party (Nasdem) which has formally picked former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan as the presidential candidate for the 2024 election.

President’s remarks are interpreted as an endorsement of Ganjar, at least in social media conversations.

“Mr. @ganjarpranowo, you were mentioned again by Mr. @jokowi. For all Jokowi supporters who are still undecided, how much louder of the code that you need to hear?” Twitter user @ChusnulCh wrote.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News May 14, 2025 | 10:25 pm

Jokowi Eyes PSI Top Post, Jokes About Beating the Odds

Jokowi said he is still making political calculations regarding the possibility of leading the youth-oriented party.
News May 9, 2025 | 11:36 am

Jokowi to Deniers: My Diploma Is Real -- Now Face the Law

Jokowi’s legal team appeared at police headquarters in Jakarta with the diploma, which was hand-delivered by his brother-in-law.
News May 8, 2025 | 6:28 pm

Jokowi: Media Has Crucial Role in Sustaining Public Morale

"With 10 years of experience leading the country, he remains a valuable voice of reason," Enggartiasto said of Jokowi.
News May 5, 2025 | 8:48 pm

Prabowo Rejects ‘Puppet’ Label, Defends Jokowi Ties as Statesmanship

Prabowo denies being Jokowi's puppet, calling ongoing talks with ex-presidents smart governance, not subservience, amid rising criticism.
News Apr 30, 2025 | 1:55 pm

After a Decade of Rumors, Jokowi Finally Reports Fake Diploma Accusations to Police

Ex-President Jokowi files a police report over fake diploma claims, saying the decade-long rumors must be legally resolved once and for all.
News Apr 30, 2025 | 9:39 am

Jokowi to Personally Report Four in Fake Diploma Claims

Former President Jokowi to file police report against four individuals over fake diploma claims, says his lawyer Yakup Hasibuan.
News Apr 23, 2025 | 2:10 pm

Prabowo Likely to Send Jokowi to Pope’s Funeral

Prabowo is skipping Pope Francis' upcoming funeral due to unspecified reasons.
News Apr 16, 2025 | 11:12 pm

Jokowi Privately Shows School Diplomas to Journalists to Refute Persistent Allegations

Jokowi asked that no photos be taken during the informal session, underscoring his desire to maintain personal privacy.
News Apr 11, 2025 | 2:40 pm

Jokowi Hires Legal Team to Confront Accusations Over University Diploma

Jokowi is once again facing renewed online attacks despite repeated confirmations from UGM officials affirming his graduation.
News Mar 31, 2025 | 7:02 pm

Luhut Responds to Protests, Calls for Polite Criticism

Luhut urges Indonesians to criticize respectfully, responding to student protests against the military law that led to violent clashes.

The Latest


Lifestyle 6 hours ago

Indonesia Eyes Tourism Surge with Phuket, Bangkok Flights to Medan, Surabaya

Prabowo Welcomes New Thailand-Indonesia Flights to Boost Tourism and Trade
Business 7 hours ago

‘Sell America’ Wave Hits Wall Street as Moody’s Downgrades US Credit Rating

Moody’s downgrade of U.S. credit outlook sparks 'Sell America' wave, sending stocks, bonds, and the dollar lower on mounting debt fears.
News 7 hours ago

Lawmaker Criticizes ‘Unfit’ Aircraft After Hajj Flight Forced to Land in India

A Hajj flight carrying Indonesian pilgrims landed in India due to technical issues, prompting safety concerns and a probe by lawmakers.
News 9 hours ago

Four Killed as Train Hits Motorcycles After Crossing Gate Opens Prematurely

As soon as the gate lifted, several motorcyclists began to cross -- unaware that a second train was approaching on a parallel track.
News 10 hours ago

Indonesia, Thailand Sign Health Pact as COVID Cases Surge in Bangkok

Indonesia and Thailand sign a health MoU in Bangkok as COVID-19 cases rise, aiming to strengthen pandemic readiness and health systems.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED