The Tamesis
May 14, 2026
jakarta – Former President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is planning to embark on a nationwide political roadshow, with Indonesia’s eastern region as his first stop, as his health improves significantly, according to his largest supporter group.
Freddy Alex Damanik, secretary-general of ProJo, the largest organization of Jokowi supporters, revealed that the plan was discussed at a meeting between the former president and the organization’s chairman Budi Ali Setiadi in Jakarta on May 1. Also in attendance were leaders of other volunteer organizations.
“Jokowi told us that his health has recovered to 99 percent,” Freddy told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. “Starting in June, he plans to travel to various parts of Indonesia to greet people.”
He added that although volunteers and community leaders from various regions have asked Jokowi to travel to their regions, the first destination has not yet been finalized. The former president is expected to visit accompanied by members of the local Proho chapter.
“Jokowi is still studying the proposals, but the first visit will most likely be in eastern Indonesia,” Freddy said.
Asked whether Jokowi would be joined by other family members such as former first lady Iriana Widodo, Vice President Djibrand Rakhabumin Raqqa or Party Solidarity Indonesia (PSI) Chairman Kesan Pangarep, Freddy said arrangements would depend on the situation.
“I don’t know if he will be accompanied by his family. It depends on the situation and he remains flexible,” he continued. “But usually, when he goes to meet the grassroots community, it’s more often than not accompanied only by volunteers.”
The broader goal of Jokowi’s trip is to maintain his emotional connection with the public, maintain his image as a leader of the people and demonstrate that he continues to have a public role even though he no longer holds public office.
“In Indonesian politics, emotional intimacy is often stronger than formal positions,” Freddy said.
He added that Jokowi also wanted to maintain communication with regional leaders, business people and grassroots groups while maintaining his political influence.
Since leaving office in October 2024, Jokowi has significantly reduced his public appearances. On several occasions, he was seen with significant swelling, discoloration and inflammation of his face and neck, prompting speculation that he might be suffering from a serious illness.
Jokowi’s personal assistant Comr. Syarif Muhammad Fitriansyah refuted rumors circulating last year that the former president suffered from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare but serious condition often caused by allergic reactions. He further claimed that the symptoms seen were the result of mild skin allergies.
