Introduction

This chapter is about the process of creating political legitimacy in post-reform Indonesia (see next session for a discussion of “legitimacy”). The phenomena will be examined by analysing the emergence of Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Solo, as mayor, later as governor of Jakarta (July 2012), and finally as president (in 2014). His political emergence has provided an alternative to the established political leadership path. Previously that path was open primarily to Jakarta-based politicians or those originating within the established political class with backgrounds as generals, members of prominent political dynasties, owners of national business conglomerates, outspoken political activists, or senior national government officials.

Jokowi is not in any of these categories. His emergence at a national political level was enabled by his popularity as a local government leader in Solo with a strong image in effective reform. The emergence of a figure like Jokowi cannot be separated from the democratic transition in Indonesia, and the introduction of direct elections for local government leaders in 2004–5, which has created a closer connection between candidates and voters. One of the main characteristics of local direct elections is the centrality of personalities or figures. Political parties are certainly central to candidate nomination, but in many places non-party figures, such as business people, bureaucrats, professionals, religious leaders, local aristocrats and community leaders, are becoming more appealing and have even become the first preference of political parties.

Figure-based politics has become a general trend in Indonesian democracy, particularly following the introduction of direct presidential elections and the open-list legislative electoral system. Under this system, candidates are elected based on the popular vote, regardless of their position in the party's list. This change has shifted relations between political elites and the people or between political candidates and voters, both during and after elections. As a trend, candidates develop direct and close communication with the people, making promises to deliver concrete programmes in order to satisfy people's demands. And the public normally readjust their support for political leaders and government based on their capabilities in managing governance and delivering public goods.