Jokowi Starts Political Safari in Kupang with a Relaxed Walk with Residents

Jokowi while in a crowd of residents in Kupang City, Saturday (1/8/2026). ANTARA/Kornelis Kaha

JAKARTA - The 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, became the center of attention and was surrounded by the people of Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara Province when he carried out a walking activity on the day of motor vehicle free day or car free day on El Tari Street, Kupang City.

Pantaun ANTARA at the location, namely on the road in front of the NTT Governor's office, Saturday, August 1, residents immediately crowded when they found out that Jokowi was passing through El Tari street.

Many residents tried to get close to greet Jokowi, shake hands, to immortalize the moment through selfies and video recordings using mobile phones.

The enthusiasm of the residents can be seen along the route taken by Jokowi. Residents continue to follow Jokowi to get the opportunity to interact directly.

"Mr. Jokowi, I want a photo," said one of the residents who tried to break through the crowd of residents who also wanted to do the same thing, reported by ANTARA.

Several other CFD visitors also did not want to be left behind, they kept calling Joko Widodo's name so that the man who had served as President of the Republic of Indonesia for two terms turned his gaze towards the sound of the call.

In the midst of the crowd, a number of children also seemed to crowd the streets to see Jokowi. One of the children who was carried on his parents' shoulders even expressed his admiration for Jokowi.

"Mr. Jokowi, I'm a fan of you," he shouted.

Jokowi several times stopped to serve the request for a photo with the residents. He also took the time to greet the community along the CFD route with a wave of his hand, which was enthusiastically greeted by the residents.

Lia, an UMKM perpetrator who sells at CFD, admitted that the atmosphere at CFD on Saturday (1/8) was different from before. This is because since 06.00 WITA the El Tari street area has been full of residents.

Not only that, he admitted, his sales along with several other UMKM perpetrators were completely bought by visitors who came at the moment of Jokowi's presence at CFD.

"It's over today. And faster. Before 09.00 WITA, visitors have been bought out," he said.

The leisurely walk in the CFD area was one of Jokowi's agendas during his stay in Kupang City. Previously, Jokowi arrived in East Nusa Tenggara on Friday (31/7) to attend a number of activities.

On Saturday at 15.00 WITA Jokowi will attend the Elephant Festival which is the Lai Lai Besi Kopan (LLBK) sub-district of Kupang City.

Jokowi is also scheduled to attend the Regional Coordination Meeting (Rakorda) and other agendas during his visit to Kupang City.