Jokowi's Popularity Above 50% Despite Rampant KPK Polri Polemic

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The Chairman of Populi Centre, Nico Harjanto evaluates the public trust towards Jokowi and he concluded that, despite the emerging conflict between the two prominent Indonesian institutions, the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Indonesian Police (Polri),public’s trust for Jokowi is still relatively high.

Nico claimed that his view is supported by the survey that has been conducted about the people’s view about Jokowi and whether or not it is still a positive one. It is clear from the survey that the percentage is still above 50%, this means many people are still putting so much faith on him despite the widespread of pejorative issue that has been populating the country.

"As many as 70% who went to participate in the survey gave a 6 to 10 scale. This is more than just average," Nico said after discussion, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Saturday (7/2/2015). 

According to Nico, the public holds the biggest significance for Jokowi, it is not the political parties or those surrounding him that should be the primary factors. It is the people that Jokowi needs to rely on because they are the reason for him to be where he is now. But surely, Jokowi needs to focus on maintaining the trust given.

"Should Jokowi fail to appease the society in general, the his popularity will go down the stream in a matter of seconds," Nico continued.

Moreover, the public wants Jokowi and his cabinet to address issue not only the one involving the two prominent institutions, but also other problems that require more attention than that. There are many problems including, economic development, maritime ambition, bilateral relationships with other nations, combating terrorism, constructing nuclear site as a substitute for fossil fuels and many more that Jokowi could focus on.

President Jokowi, according to Nico, has to be able to show that he is independent and decisive when making his decisions. His decision should not be driven by others who have their own parochial interests. By doing so, Jokowi will earn more popularity and trustworthiness status from the public.

"President Jokowi should avoid the possibility of being a puppet to the people he is afraid to confront. Jokowi can freely appoint a new candidate for Indonesian head of Police or change the law if he wants to settle KPK issue," he concluded. (Akp/Ein)