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

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.
“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, Ganjar Make Frequent Public Appearances
- Watch: Ganjar Steals the Show at Muhammadiyah Conference
- Nasdem Voters Prefer Ganjar than Anies: Survey
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:Related Articles
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.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.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.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.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.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.Prabowo Likely to Send Jokowi to Pope’s Funeral
Prabowo is skipping Pope Francis' upcoming funeral due to unspecified reasons.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.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.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
Indonesia Eyes Tourism Surge with Phuket, Bangkok Flights to Medan, Surabaya
Prabowo Welcomes New Thailand-Indonesia Flights to Boost Tourism and Trade‘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.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.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.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.Most Popular
