Using Blue Jersey Number 22, Jokowi Becomes Goalkeeper Playing Football With NTT Residents

President Jokowi became the goalkeeper while playing football with residents on the sidelines of akunker in West Manggarat, NTT, Monday 4 December 2023. (ANTARA-HO-Setpres)

NTT - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) plays football on the sidelines of a working visit (kunker) in West Manggarat Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Monday 4 December afternoon.

Based on information from the Presidential Secretariat (Setpres) quoted from Antara, the head of state played football at Wae Kesambi Football Field, Batu Cermin Village, Komodo District, West Manggarai.

Not wanting to be left behind, PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Acting Governor of NTT Ayodhia Kalake, and West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi joined Jokowi in playing football with NTT residents.

At that moment, Jokowi wore jersey number 22 and chose the position as goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Minister Basuki also chose a similar position but in different teams. The match took place under the pouring rain.

In the 10th minute, Jokowi's goal defense was successfully broken by Minister Basuki's team. But not long after, President Jokowi's team managed to equalize 1-1 by scoring a goal back and defending it until the game was over.

"It's raining, but the most important thing is to be happy and sporty, the most important thing is. I think the players were all happy, sporty, I was able to get one too, but two saved," said Jokowi.

When the match was over, Ja'i's dancers wearing NTT typical weaving motifs lined up with the President walking from the field to the vehicle.

Seeing this, the President stopped, then approached the dancers and danced together.

Neli, one of the dancers, said that she was happy to meet and be in direct contact with President Jokowi.

"Happy, happy sir, extraordinary. What we have been waiting for the President to meet in person, but today we are all special for Bajawa people only with (tary) Ja'i to meet with the President," he told Jokowi.

Neli said Ja'i is a traditional dance movement that comes from the people of Ngada Regency, Flores.

Neli hopes that President Jokowi can return to visit NTT Province, because there are still many other districts that can be visited.

"If there is still time, return to Labuan Bajo, but not only to Labuan Bajo, also visit Maumere, Sikka, Nagekeo, so not only Labuan Bajo, but other districts also in NTT," he said.