Jokowi Supporters Proudly Embrace 'Termul' Nickname, Focus on Vision
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Projo, a volunteer group supporting Indonesian President Joko Widodo, expresses pride in being called 'termul,' a term derived from the president's childhood name.
- The group's secretary-general stated their support is for Jokowi's ideas and vision, not just the individual, and denied involvement in attacking Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
- Projo also addressed JK's call for Jokowi to show his original diploma, noting the issue is already under legal investigation.
In Indonesia, the political landscape is often colored by the passionate support of volunteer groups, and Projo, a prominent Jokowi supporter, is no exception. Their members wear the moniker 'termul' – a nickname derived from President Joko Widodo's childhood name, 'Mulyono' – with pride, seeing it as a badge of honor for backing a leader whose ideas and vision resonate with them.
Termul-termul itu bangga disebut termul. Abang percaya nggak? Kalau saya bangga disebut sebagai orang Indonesia yang mendukung ide. Nah kalau saya itu. Kalau idenya cocok, visinya cocok, saya dukung. Bukan orang yang saya dukung. Nah itu, saya bangga di situ
Freddy Alex Damanik, the Secretary-General of Projo, articulated this sentiment clearly. He emphasized that their allegiance lies with the substance of Jokowi's policies and foresight, not merely the person. This distinction is crucial, as it frames their support as ideological rather than blind personal loyalty. Damanik also took pains to distance Projo from any actions perceived as attacks against Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK), asserting that consolidated Jokowi volunteers have never targeted the VP.
The ongoing debate surrounding President Jokowi's academic credentials has also drawn Projo into the conversation. Responding to JK's public call for Jokowi to present his original diploma, Damanik highlighted that this matter is already within the purview of law enforcement. He pointed out that Jokowi himself has filed a report regarding the diploma issue, and the relevant documents are now with the Polda Metro Jaya. This stance suggests Projo believes the legal process should be allowed to unfold without further public conjecture or pressure.
Relawannya Pak Jokowi yang terkonsolidasi dari dulu itu tidak ada pernah melakukan apa terhadap Pak JK. Jadi relawan tidak menyerang Pak JK
From an Indonesian perspective, the 'termul' label, while potentially used as a slight by critics, has been reclaimed by supporters as a symbol of their commitment. It reflects a deep-seated belief in Jokowi's leadership and his vision for the nation. The way such nicknames are embraced and redefined by supporters is a unique aspect of Indonesian political culture, often showcasing a strong sense of identity and solidarity among different groups backing the president. The focus on ideas and vision, as articulated by Damanik, is a common theme in Indonesian political discourse, where leaders are often judged by their perceived ability to understand and address the nation's complex challenges.
Keluarlah statement Pak JK di Bareskrim bahwa tunjukkan saja ijazahnya Pak Jokowi itu. Sementara ini sudah menjadi persoalan hukum yang sudah dilaporkan delik aduan oleh Pak Jokowi di Polda Metro Jaya. Kan ijazahnya objeknya ijazah, ijazahnya sekarang sudah ditanganin di Polda Metro Jaya
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.