10 Years With Jokowi, Ari Dwipayana Says Goodbye To UGM

Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana when delivering a statement at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Wednesday (9/10/2024). (ANTARA/Andi Firdaus)

JAKARTA - Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said goodbye to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to return to serving as an academic at the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) campus, Yogyakarta.

The news was conveyed by Ari Dwipayana ahead of his retirement as Coordinator of the Presidential Satafsus as of October 20, 2024.

"Now, it's time to resign. On October 20, 2024, my task will end, I ask permission from President Jokowi to return to the UGM campus," said Ari Dwipayana as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, October 17.

Ari conveyed his intention to return to UGM on October 21, 2024, after his return letter to UGM was made by the Cabinet Secretariat Ministry in early September.

In addition, the lecturer at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol) UGM has also obtained his reactivation as a teacher at UGM from the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Mendikbud Ristek) since October 2, 2024.

"So, October 21st you can return to UGM," he said.

Meanwhile, in his post on the @dwipayanaari Instagram account which was published today, Ari also shared his impression of working with President Jokowi in the last 10 years.

Ari summarized this impression in a narrative entitled "Never Forget The Road Home".

The staff of the Minister of State Secretariat for the 2014-2015 period thanked President Jokowi for his trust in the last 10 years facing various challenges in carrying out his duties.

"In fact, I often mention that 10 years accompanying Pak Jokowi is like riding arollerap. Driven at high speed, sometimes up to the top, then down to the valley, and up again to the top," he said.

The Presidential Staff for the 2015-2019 period expressed gratitude and gratitude for the support of his team in carrying out their duties.

Ari, in particular, appreciates the role of researchers in politics with the focus of the Indonesian political culture study, Sukardi Rinakit, whom he calls the oldest brother and loyal partner during their tenure.

"Matur suksma, especially Mas Sukardi Rinakit who became the oldest brother who was always together until the end of his duties. We both chose to be a duet/duto who continued to accompany Pak Jokowi until October 20," he said.

Since serving as Presidential Staff Coordinator in 2019, Ari has highlighted the importance of collaboration in the Presidential Communications Team, which he calls an extraordinary advantage. The relationship that has been developed has grown to more than just a working relationship, they are now brothers and friends to Ari.

Ari also expressed his gratitude for the 10-year journey under President Jokowi's leadership. He acknowledged that there were weaknesses and shortcomings, but still appreciated the great achievements and jumps that had been achieved.

"Pak Jokowi is a man of action, never a player. He keeps moving at high speed, and the movement is guided by clear vision and goals," he said.

Ari said the achievement was carried out through intensive efforts and details.

"I am very grateful for the 10-year journey, because I have gained experience, knowledge, and meaningful lessons that I do not necessarily get on campus," he said.