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View all search results'Understanding Jokowi': Jean Couteau explains the great transformer
A sweeping study of Jokowi’s decade in power argues that pragmatic development, not ideology, drove Indonesia’s transformation.
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'Understanding Jokowi: Progressive Realism in Indonesian Politics, 2014–2024’ by Jean Couteau offers a sharp, nuanced exploration of leadership, power and development in Indonesia. (JP/Eric Buvelot)
I
n Understanding Jokowi: Progressive Realism in Indonesian Politics, 2014-2024, a new book by Jean Couteau, a columnist and observer of Indonesian political, social and cultural life for half a century, the author positions himself as an ideologist a posteriori of the policies and practical reforms of Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
Unlike the factual biography Jokowi and the New Indonesia by Darmawan Prasodjo, which in 2021 retraced Jokowi’s first campaign and term in office from an insider’s perspective, an excellent account by any measure, this book aims not to provide a biography but rather a study of the humble carpenter’s presidency that set the Indonesian Republic on a path of transformation.
Jean Couteau is a French-born historian and linguist, widely recognized as one of the most insightful observers of Indonesian culture and society. He is no stranger to The Jakarta Post’s readership, having contributed regularly. For years, he also wrote for other Indonesian publications such as Bali Post, Kompas and Tempo. Holding a doctorate in Art History and Iconography from the EHESS in Paris, he is the author of numerous works on Indonesia’s diverse cultures, traditions and arts.
“Savings from reduced petrol subsidies were redirected towards social welfare programs, leading to the expansion of a digitally managed, quasi universal social security system.” — Jean Couteau
Couteau explains that Jokowi’s inner circle first took notice after enjoying one of his Kompas columns (Udar Rasa) on the 2019 presidential election, particularly its take on campaign attire and symbolism, and that he accepted the project after being assured access to surveys, documentation, insiders, testimonies and direct conversations with the president.
So, if this is not a traditional biography, what is it then? Couteau examines Jokowi’s leadership style, policies and challenges, while situating them within Indonesia’s broader history and political system. He also projects the seventh president’s legacy into the first year of newly elected president Prabowo Subianto. Couteau characterizes Jokowi’s decade in office under the notion of “progressive realism,” a focus on practical development, such as infrastructure and industry, even when it meant bending democratic ideals. In his view, Jokowi sought to balance development with democracy, at times prioritizing economic growth and social programs over strict adherence to democratic processes.
As an ex-carpenter, the president is a doer
