Jokowi's buffalo-head gesture sparks political row in Indonesia

A politician from Indonesia's ruling Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan (PDIP) has voiced strong criticism over a photograph showing former President Joko Widodo placing his foot on a buffalo's head during a traditional ceremony in Lampung. Mohamad Guntur Romli, a PDIP politician, interpreted the gesture as a symbolic representation of unchecked ambition for power, particularly within Jokowi's family and the Solidaritas Indonesia (PSI) party, which is led by Jokowi's son, Kaesang Pangarep.

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The buffalo's head being stepped on symbolizes Jokowi's and PSI's followers being lulled behind the king's behavior, when in fact there is boundless ambition for power for Jokowi's family.

Jokowi, who was in Lampung for a series of visits related to PSI, received the traditional title "Baginda Pemuka Bangsa" (roughly translated as 'King Leader of the Nation') at Kedatun Keagungan Lampung on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Guntur argued that the act of stepping on the buffalo's head, an animal symbolically linked to PDIP's own bull symbol, signifies that Jokowi's followers and PSI are "lulled by boundless ambition for power." He further suggested that the gesture indicates a desire for unlimited power for Jokowi's family.

Guntur referenced research by PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto, which he claimed analyzed Jokowi's political behavior since parting ways with PDIP. According to Guntur, Hasto's research described Jokowi's leadership style as a blend of authoritarian populism, feudalism (perceiving himself as a king), populism (through distributing cash and aid), and Machiavellianism (prioritizing power above all else). Guntur believes Jokowi is still seeking to consolidate influence even after completing his two presidential terms, despite his family already holding significant positions in government and political parties.

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It was the local community leaders who invited him, so Mr. Jokowi was given a title.

However, the PSI has offered a different perspective. Bestari Barus, chairman of PSI's Central Executive Board (DPP), stated that Jokowi attended the ceremony because he was invited by local community leaders and was bestowed a traditional title. Barus explained that the cultural significance of the ceremony, including the specific gesture of placing a foot on the buffalo's head, is best understood by the Lampung community leaders who conferred the honor. He suggested that any accusations of insult were unfounded and likely stemmed from "malicious" individuals, asserting that Jokowi would not act against local customs.

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I think it was not intentional, (not) to symbolize something as accused by people with malicious mouths.