Indonesian President Joko Widodo caused a stir this weekend by opting to fly economy class to watch his son’s high-school graduation in Singapore, drawing both praise and criticism from netizens.
Skipping the heavy security protocol typical for heads of state, Widodo and his wife Iriana queued for check-in at Jakarta airport like ordinary passengers before taking their economy seats.
Widodo is known for his common touch, and his family have maintained a modest lifestyle since he became president last month.
The presence of the president, known by his nickname Jokowi, caused a buzz at Jakarta’s airport as passengers shouted and clamored to shake his hand, with some taking “selfies” on their cellphones.
However, some people viewed it as a publicity stunt.
“Why should he go through the metal detector, join the queue, etc? Sir, stop polishing your image, just act natural,” Rangga Aditya said on Web site detik.com.
Harry Azet tweeted: “Living a fake life is difficult: Jokowi went to Singapore flying economy but slept in an expensive hotel.”
Widodo stayed in a five-star hotel on Orchard Road, Singapore’s shopping mecca, an Indonesian embassy spokesman in Singapore told reporters.
However, his choice to fly economy also won widespread praise, with many urging other government officials to follow suit.
“Jokowi sets a good example by flying economy. Hopefully other officials can follow in his footsteps,” Anita Tobing tweeted.
Widodo said he did not use the presidential private jet or the VIP terminal because he was traveling for personal reasons.
“I am going for family matters, a private agenda, not a state visit — so why should I use the facility?” Widodo told reporters.
The president and his wife were in Singapore to see their youngest son, 19-year-old Kaesang Pangarep, graduate from the Anglo-Chinese International School on Friday evening. The couple have two other children.
Widodo had breakfast with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (李顯龍) before flying back to Jakarta yesterday morning.
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