The wRap Indonesia: Oct. 21, 2014

JAKARTA, Indonesia – We wrap up the top moments from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s historic inauguration on Monday, October 20. 

1. When Jokowi was greeted like a rock star, again and again

 “I felt so surprised, from the parliament building to the State Palace, it was filled with people, a sea of people,” Jokowi said of the crowd that greeted him on the streets after his inauguration as president of Indonesia. Tens of thousands of people filled the streets, jostling as their new president made his way to the State Palace aboard a horse-drawn carriage.

Later in the day, the crowd moved to the National Monument (Monas), where a pesta rakyat (people’s party) was being held. Shortly after 6pm, the crowd went wild when Jokowi appeared onstage, with his arms raised, his fingers showing the 3-finger greeting that has become a symbol for a united Indonesia. And like a rock star, he ran across the stage twice, cheering the tens of thousands of supporters who gathered to celebrate his inauguration as president. See photos of the historic inauguration day here, or relive the day on our live blog. 

2. When Jokowi emphasized his maritime focus

In his official inauguration speech, Jokowi left no doubt over how much focus he would devote to achieving his goal of making Indonesia a strong maritime country.  “We have far too long turned our back on the seas, the oceans, the straits, and the bays. It’s time to restore everything so that “jalesveva jayamahe” (in the sea we will triumph), a slogan used by our forefathers, will echo again.” Jokowi – who gave his victory speech aboard a pinisi boat – is in fact expected to create a new coordinating ministry for environmental, maritime, and natural resources. Read the full text of Jokowi’s inauguration speech here.

3. When Jokowi called Prabowo his ‘best friend’

Former presidential candidate Prabowo salutes President Joko Widodo at his inauguration via @ellinghausen pic.twitter.com/rZ5S8IbNZ0

— Rappler Indonesia (@RapplerID) October 20, 2014

The thawing of political tensions between Jokowi and former presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto continued on Monday, after the latter appeared to have decided to attend the inauguration at the last minute. Jokowi acknowledged Prabowo’s presence during his speech, calling him his “best friend”, to which the former general responded with a salute. In a pre-recorded interview with Berita Satu TV aired later on Monday, Jokowi said he missed Prabowo, who backed the then small-town mayor’s run for Jakarta governor in 2012. All these came after a reconciliation meeting on Friday, October 17, Prabowo’s birthday.  

4. When Jokowi introduced the first family

Pak Jokowi introduces his family to the media (his kids are media shy!) pic.twitter.com/dDcxPxvy8U

— Jet Damazo-Santos (@jetdsantos) October 20, 2014

Jokowi’s media shy family was informally introduced to the world on Monday morning in a meet-and-greet with the press at their home before heading to the parliament. Jokowi and Indonesia’s new first lady, Iriana, have 3 kids: The eldest, Gibran Rakabuming, studied in Sydney, Australia, and now runs his own catering business in their hometown of Solo. Their daughter, Kahiyang Ayu, graduated from Universitas Sebelas Maret in Solo last year and is reportedly planning to become a civil servant. Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest, studies at the Anglo-Chinese International School in Singapore, and is active on Twitter.  

5. Now, Indonesia waits for Jokowi’s cabinet

Now that the festivities are over, Indonesia is waiting for Jokowi’s much-anticipated cabinet announcement. During the campaign, Jokowi famously promised to form a lean and professional cabinet, and that he would not resort to the practice of trading ministerial seats for political support. But with a minority coalition behind him and an opposition-controlled legislature looming over him, Jokowi was seen to have quietly moved behind the scenes to create a cabinet that would allow for some political concessions. But he said on Monday some adjustments still needed to be made to his list after receiving feedback from the Corruption Eradication Commission.