Iriana Jokowi Controversy: First Lady Who Gets Indonesian Star Adipradana From Her Husband

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government often gives the highest honor stars to people who have contributed greatly to the nation and state. Those who have high achievements will be appreciated by the state. Recently, the awarding of an honorary star was actually considered political.

Take for example when President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) gave the Indonesian Star Adipradana award to his own wife, Iriana. Criticism and criticism emerged. Iriana is considered not worthy of an honorary star. His achievements are considered insignificant.

Not a few people choose the path to fight hard for the nation and state in various fields, from education to security. The struggle does not only produce experience. Some struggles are presented to improve the life of the nation and state.

The Indonesian government considers it important to struggle for outstanding individuals - whatever their form. The owner of power often gives the highest award in the form of an honorary star. Recently, the award of an honorary star was seen as political.

Anyone close to the regime will surely get an honorary star. Those who are far away, or critics will bring home nothing. The narrative strengthened in the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's (SBY) administration.

SBY, who incidentally serves as head of state, gave Bintang RI Adipradana to his own wife, Kristen Herawati (Ani Yudhoyono). In fact, they deserve to receive bejibun. In fact, many also have enormous services for Indonesia and the world.

SBY and Ani were blasphemed here and there. This is because the awarding of a star of service was carried out when her husband became president. The same condition is like being repeated by the Jokowi era government. President Jokowi also gave his own wife Bintang RI Adipradana to his own wife, Iriana at the State Palace on August 14, 2023.

"All the wives of the previous president and the wives of the previous vice president received the same stars in accordance with the provisions of the law," said Chairman of the Council for Titles, Services, and Honors (DGTK), Mahfud MD as quoted by the COMPASS.com page, August 3, 2023.

Gelora protest everywhere. The giving of an honorary star is considered full of controversy. The reason Iriana has accompanied Jokowi during his leadership is considered not enough to make Iriana a recipient of the honorary star.

There is no law that clearly states that First Lady can immediately get an honorary star. Iriana did fulfill some of the requirements for awards such as Indonesian citizens, behaved well, and was loyal to the state. However, service matters are not considered sufficient.

Even though Iriana is active in social activities such as providing social assistance. Jokowi himself gave a response. The Indonesian president revealed that he was not the one who determined the recipient of the honor. The task rests with the DGTK.

The people are asked to ask directly to the DGTK. Nasi has become a porridge. People think that Jokowi has a decisive role or rejects the name proposal. This condition is because he is the head of state, and Bintang RI Adipradana is an official government award.

The awarding of awards to the family is considered full of conflicts of interest. The harshest criticism emerged from political observer Rocky Gerung, even long before the award was given. He considered that the Jokowi government should not blame the people who questioned the sign of Iriana's honor.

This condition is because Jokowi is the head of state who is also the husband of Iriana. This narrative made Jokowi have a big role in determining Iriana as the recipient. The awarding of the Indonesian Star Adipradana award is considered to be a big stain in the future.

People will ask or there will definitely be allegations that there is an interest in giving the title. Although we know that officially it is a state event, giving awards to the President's wife and maybe also as a sign of national gratitude to Mrs. Iriana for accompanying Mr. Jokowi in the next seven for up to ten years, as well as Mr. Ma'ruf Amin.

"So, it is the inauguration of the state. What is not official is the kakak-kusuk behind you later, which of course will also be a conversation in Jokowi's own family that the president gives a sign of service to his own wife. The same condition occurred during Pak Harto's time. Mrs. Tien was pinned with a sign of service from Mr. Harto's own hands. The people saw that the gift was not proper (appropriate)," said Rocky Gerung as voiced on the Rocky Gerung Official Youtube channel, August 4, 2023.