From biking to archery, Jokowi is all fired up

Indonesian leader's robust activities elicit praise and scepticism ahead of polls next year

An enthusiastic Indonesian running to connect with President Joko Widodo, in a show of support for the country's top leader. Mr Joko and his entourage were on a 30km motorbike tour of the rural areas of Sukabumi in West Java last week.
An enthusiastic Indonesian running to connect with President Joko Widodo, in a show of support for the country's top leader. Mr Joko and his entourage were on a 30km motorbike tour of the rural areas of Sukabumi in West Java last week. PHOTO: ANTARA/PUSPA PERWITASARI
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Indonesian President Joko Widodo has in the last few months been spotlighted in the media doing activities not usually associated with the country's top leader: trying out archery, playing futsal and going toe to toe with a professional boxer.

And last week, he rode his golden chopper motorcycle in a faded jacket through the West Java countryside, amid cheers from local villagers lining the roads.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 17, 2018, with the headline From biking to archery, Jokowi is all fired up. Subscribe