Jokowi Speaks Out on the Controversy of Stepping on a Water Buffalo's Head: Don't Be Drawn into Politics

SOLO - The 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), responded to the controversy on social media after he stepped on the head of a buffalo in an adat procession in Lampung in late June 2026. Jokowi emphasized that the ritual was part of cultural tradition and should not be associated with politics.

"Yes, it is a form of respect from the indigenous people of Lampung. A form of respect from the Kedatun Palace of the Lampung Kingdom and I feel honored to be given this award," said Jokowi at his residence, Sumber Village, Banjarsari District, Solo City, Central Java, Tuesday, July 7.

Jokowi said the procession was part of the culture and customs of the Kingdom of Lampung. Therefore, according to him, the ritual does not need to be associated with political interests.

"Don't drag everything into the political realm, it often doesn't connect. We must continue to respect customs and traditions, continue to respect local wisdom, continue to respect our culture. Because our culture is very diverse," he concluded.

Jokowi also did not want to respond to the assumption that the buffalo head in the traditional procession was a symbol of the bull head.

"It's a customary ritual. Again, it's a customary ritual, which has not been done once or twice, but has been done hundreds of times," he said.

Previously, Jokowi was in the spotlight after participating in an adat procession in the context of a political safari with the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) in Lampung in late June 2026.

In the procession, Jokowi was seen stepping on the head of a buffalo, which then triggered various responses on social media and was associated with a political symbol by some parties.

PDI Perjuangan emphasized that the procession had nothing to do with the symbol of his party. PDIP also asked the public not to build political interpretations of this traditional ritual.

The customary ritual was carried out when Jokowi received the honorary title of Baginda Pemuka Bangsa from five Lampung customary kingdoms in a sacred procession at the Lampung Kedatun Keagungan House, Sepang Jaya Village, Labuhan Ratu District, Bandar Lampung City, Saturday, June 27.

The award of the title of Baginda Pemuka Bangsa is a form of respect from the five Lampung customary kingdoms for Jokowi's contributions and dedication during his presidency. The procession was also the main agenda on the second day of Jokowi's visit to Lampung.