The city of Surakarta is gearing up for a grand welcome as they prepare to receive Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, on October 20th. The government plans to mobilize tens of thousands of people to greet his return to Solo, his hometown.
According to Sulistiarini, the Head of Protocol, Communication, and Public Administration in Surakarta, coordination has already begun with the palace protocol and the TNI/Polri authorities. Jokowi is scheduled to arrive at Adi Soemarmo Airport in Solo at 4:00 PM on the said date.
Various parties are involved in organizing the reception, including the Forkompimda officials from Central Java Province and Surakarta City, as well as coordinators, government agencies, community leaders, religious figures, and retired civil servants who served during Jokowi’s tenure as Mayor of Surakarta.
The welcoming committee will also comprise school children, residents, and civil servants who will line the streets from Makuta (the border monument between Karanganyar and Surakarta) to Sumber. The directive from the Acting Mayor of Surakarta, Dhoni Widianto, and the City Secretary, Budi Murtono, is to mobilize as many people as possible for the event.
The Department of Education is ready to participate, with potentially tens of thousands of students waving the Indonesian flag as Jokowi’s convoy passes by. This reception is a tradition in Surakarta, a gesture of gratitude for Jokowi’s dedication during his leadership.
The ceremony will be simple yet traditional, reflecting the local customs and values of the people of Solo. It will include retired officials, symbolic gestures of respect and gratitude, and a warm reception for Jokowi.
Reports suggest that the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, General Agus Subianto, and the Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Pol Listyo Sigit Prabowo, will accompany Jokowi from Jakarta to Solo. The details are still being finalized, with local officials set to welcome Jokowi upon his arrival.
As the city of Surakarta prepares to welcome back one of its own, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The community is coming together to show their appreciation and respect for Jokowi’s service, making this a momentous occasion for Solo and its people.