Liputan6.com, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) named as the Most Shameful Alumnus from his own alma mater, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). This recognition came not long after various political controversies near the end of Jokowi's presidency.
The nomination comes from the Indonesian Students Executive Body of UGM. They cite the erosion of democracy, the undermining of the constitution, and the political dynasty of Jokowi.
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Jokowi has allowed his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka (36), to run as the vice president. Former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Jokowi's brother-in-law, was also criticized for revising the age limit which would allow Gibran to run.
A spokesperson from the Palace reacted calmly against the criticism, but also suggested the critics to look at the facts first.
"All input whether praise or criticism will always be 'vitamin' to improve the government's works, so the benefit will be felt by the society," said the Coordinator of Presidential Special Staff, Ari Dwipayana.
But Jokowi did not seem to enjoy the 'vitamin'. He reminded the students about the so-called "eastern" attitude.
"That is democratic protests, so it's fine. But I have to give the reminder that we have the eastern ethics and politeness," said Jokowi on Monday in North Jakarta.
In Indonesian doxa, "eastern" attitude refers to something which is the opposite of "western" attitude.
President Joko Widodo graduated from UGM in 1985. He majored in forestry.
