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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Joko Widodo receives 'Raja Timor' honorary title in NTT

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • President Joko Widodo received an honorary traditional title, "Raja Timor" (King of Timor), from the people of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) in Kupang.
  • The coronation ceremony was led by various traditional kings from Timor Island, signifying a high honor.
  • This title adds to other traditional honors Jokowi has received since leaving office, including one from Lampung.
  • Jokowi visited NTT for a three-day event, including attending a regional meeting for the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and engaging with local communities.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, often called Jokowi, has been bestowed the honorary traditional title of "Raja Timor" (King of Timor) by the people of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province. The ceremony took place in Lai Lai Besi Kopan village, Kupang City, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The coronation was a significant event, led by various traditional kings from Timor Island, who presented the title as a highest form of respect to Jokowi. Thousands of residents attended the sacred ritual, celebrating the president's connection to the region.

Our beloved father is returning home.

— Kupang residentExpressing enthusiasm upon seeing President Joko Widodo during his visit to Kupang.

This "Raja Timor" title is the latest in a series of traditional honors Jokowi has received since concluding his presidency. Previously, the former mayor of Solo was also awarded the title "Baginda Pemuka Bangsa" by five traditional kingdoms in Lampung, where he underwent a ritual involving stepping on a buffalo head.

Jokowi's visit to NTT spanned three days, primarily to attend the Regional Coordination Meeting of the PSI in Kupang. During his stay, he also interacted with local communities, participating in a "jalan santi" (walking for health) event on Saturday morning. Upon his arrival near the NTT Governor's office, wearing a white jacket, he was enthusiastically greeted by volunteers and residents eager for selfies, with some exclaiming, "Our beloved father is returning home."

Father is returning, Father Jokowi is returning home.

— Kupang residentShouting with excitement as President Joko Widodo arrived in Kupang.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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