President Joko Widodo Denies Rumors of Three-Term Seeking Amid Scandal
solo — Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto’s controversial video has sparked discussions about extensions to the presidency‘s term, including President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) third term. In an exclusive interview, Jokowi categorically denied these rumors, stating, "There has never been any request from me, whether direct or indirect, for any term extension, including the three-term proposal."
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Sumber, Banjarsari, Solo, Central Java, on Monday, December 30, 2024, Jokowi dismissed the video’s claims as malicious framing. He urged questions on this matter to be directed to PDIP’s Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri or the party’s DPP Chair, Puan Maharani. "I’ve consistently maintained that there have been no requests from my side for any term extensions," he said.
The former Solo mayor also challenged other political parties to provide evidence of any such requests. "If there’s any proof, let them show it. I’ve never made any requests, and my aides haven’t either," Jokowi asserted.
When asked about the potential impact of these rumors on his image, the president remained unfazed. "It’s nothing new. These sorts of things happen," he remarked calmly.
Hasto Kristiyanto, now a suspect in a bribery case handled by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), made headlines when he uploaded a video discussing a figure’s ambition to extend their power to three terms. However, he did not explicitly name the individual.
Contributing to this article is Annisa Febiola.
