In this biography
Quick facts
- Born
- 21 June 1961
- Birthplace
- Surakarta, Central Java
- Country
- Indonesia
- Nationality
- Indonesian
- Known for
- Leading Indonesia from 2014 to 2024 with an infrastructure-led development programme
- Office
- President, 2014–2024
- Earlier office
- Governor of Jakarta, 2012–2014
- First elected office
- Mayor of Surakarta, 2005–2012
- Profession
- Furniture entrepreneur
Why this life matters
Jokowi’s rise changed the social image of presidential leadership and his decade in office reshaped infrastructure, social programmes and the location of the future capital.
Timeline
Key moments
Built a furniture business
Established a Surakarta furniture enterprise after studying forestry.
Became mayor of Surakarta
Began a local-government career noted for market renewal and direct public engagement.
Became governor of Jakarta
Won the capital’s governorship with Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.
Elected president
Became Indonesia’s seventh president and won re-election in 2019.
Completed two terms
Transferred the presidency to Prabowo Subianto on 20 October.
From business to city hall
Known widely as Jokowi, Joko Widodo grew up in Surakarta and built a furniture export business. His practical style as mayor—market visits, administrative reform and public-facing problem solving—turned a local politician into a national figure.
A presidency built around delivery
Elected president in 2014, Jokowi prioritised roads, ports, railways, electricity and social assistance. His governments expanded Indonesia’s physical connectivity and promoted downstream mineral processing, while also facing criticism over environmental costs, civil liberties and democratic checks.
Nusantara and succession
Jokowi backed moving the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, a multidecade project intended to rebalance development. He left office in October 2024 after two terms, with debate continuing over the durability of his infrastructure strategy and the political influence of his family.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Joko Widodo
- Who is Joko Widodo?
- Joko Widodo is a seventh President of Indonesia. Jokowi’s rise changed the social image of presidential leadership and his decade in office reshaped infrastructure, social programmes and the location of the future capital.
- What is Joko Widodo best known for?
- Joko Widodo is best known for leading Indonesia from 2014 to 2024 with an infrastructure-led development programme.
- When and where was Joko Widodo born?
- Joko Widodo was born on 21 June 1961 in Surakarta, Central Java.
Sources and further reading
How this biography was checked
Core dates and offices are checked against the sources below. This profile was last reviewed on 8 September 2026.
