Joko Widodo Quotes

Powerful Joko Widodo for Daily Growth

About Joko Widodo

Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, was born on June 21, 1961, in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. He began his career as a furniture maker before venturing into politics, reflecting his pragmatic and hands-on approach to governance. Widodo gained a degree in forestry technology from Gajah Mada University in 1985, then worked for the Semarang city government, rising through its ranks. In 2005, he was elected as Mayor of Semarang, where he implemented numerous infrastructure projects and improved public services. In 2012, Widodo was elected Governor of Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, on a platform of fighting corruption and improving the lives of the city's poor. His term saw significant improvements in urban infrastructure, education, and social welfare. Widodo's political rise culminated in 2014 when he was elected President of Indonesia, becoming the first president without a military or political background. He won re-election in 2019. As President, Widodo has focused on infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare. Notably, his administration introduced a significant tax reform to simplify the system and increase revenue for public spending. His term has also seen progress in combating corruption and improving Indonesia's relations with other countries. Widodo's leadership style is characterized by pragmatism, empathy, and a focus on delivering tangible improvements to people's lives. He is often quoted saying, "We must not be afraid of making mistakes as long as we continue to work and strive for the best." This quote reflects his determination and resilience in the face of challenges. Widodo continues to serve as the President of Indonesia, leaving a lasting impact on the country's political landscape and inspiring a new generation of leaders.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Kekerasan adalah hal yang tidak boleh dilakukan." (Violence is something that cannot be done.)

This quote by Joko Widodo emphasizes the unacceptability of violence as a means to resolve conflicts or achieve goals. It suggests that violence, being something harmful and destructive, should not be perpetrated because it goes against the principles of peace, harmony, and justice. Instead, it encourages the pursuit of peaceful solutions, dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.


"Tingkatkan kemampuan masyarakat untuk memanfaatkan kekayaan alam ini, bukan untuk meningkatkan kekayaan alam." (Increase the ability of society to utilize this natural wealth, not to increase the wealth of nature.)

Joko Widodo's quote emphasizes a sustainable approach to utilizing natural resources. Instead of exploiting the environment for immediate financial gain, the focus should be on empowering society to use these resources in a way that preserves their long-term viability. By prioritizing human capacity development over the wealth of nature itself, we can ensure that future generations continue to benefit from our planet's resources.


"Semakin tinggi posisi, semakin tinggi tanggung jawab." (The higher the position, the higher the responsibility.)

This quote by Joko Widodo emphasizes that as one ascends in power or status, their level of accountability also increases significantly. In other words, with great power comes great responsibility. It underscores the importance of leaders taking their roles seriously and using their influence wisely for the betterment of society.


"Kita harus mengambil langkah-langkah yang benar dan tepat waktu." (We must take the right steps at the right time.)

This quote emphasizes the importance of timing and accuracy in decision-making, suggesting that success requires taking appropriate actions at the opportune moment. It underscores the need for careful consideration when making strategic choices to ensure long-term positive results.


"Kami tidak akan meningkatkan gaji para pejabat, kami akan mempercepat tingkat keberhasilan rakyat." (We will not increase the salaries of officials, we will speed up the level of success of the people.)

This quote by Joko Widodo signifies his commitment to prioritizing the welfare and success of the general public over the financial interests of government officials. He is expressing that he intends to allocate resources towards improving the overall prosperity of the citizens, rather than increasing salaries for public officers. It's a declaration of his intention to focus on policies benefiting the people, rather than personal gains among government personnel.


For me, democracy must deliver a better life for the people.

- Joko Widodo

Me, Better, For The People, Better Life

Indonesia is the world's third-largest democracy. And we also have the world's largest Muslim population. This demonstrates that democracy and Islam are not incompatible. Terrorism is not associated with any religion.

- Joko Widodo

Muslim, Largest, Also, Indonesia

I'm willing to work with all parties to reform Indonesia.

- Joko Widodo

Work, Willing, Reform, Indonesia

We need peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. It is important to have political and security stability to build up our economic growth.

- Joko Widodo

Political, Need, Our, Region

I don't mind being called a puppet. But I'm the puppet of the people.

- Joko Widodo

Mind, People, Being, Puppet

To deal with radicalism and extremism, we need to deal with economic inequality. This is what I learned from my experience in Solo and then in Jakarta.

- Joko Widodo

Need, Deal, Extremism, Economic

When we have a corporation, we must know what the customer wants, what the customers needs. Also, the politician must know what the people want, what the people need.

- Joko Widodo

Corporation, Need, Needs, Customers

It's now our responsibility to prove to ourselves, to other nations, and especially to our children and our grandchildren, that politics is full of fun; politics has some wisdom. Politics is freedom.

- Joko Widodo

Politics, Some, Other, Fun

In my opinion, the most important thing in governance is management control.

- Joko Widodo

Management, Important, Most, Governance

The problem is not in the office: the problem is out there. Every day I go to the people, go to the street. I can ask the people what they want, what they need.

- Joko Widodo

Every Day, Want, Need, Street

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