Joko Widodo on Approval Rating

High but fluctuating (strong)

TL;DR

Joko Widodo consistently maintained high approval ratings throughout his presidency, often exceeding 70 percent.

Key Points

His approval rating stood at 75 percent in a late September 2024 poll, reflecting a seven percentage point drop from July 2024.
Satisfaction in March 2023 was reported at 73.1 percent, making him second only to Narendra Modi among democratic leaders polled.
The public's perception of the improving economy is identified as the main factor explaining the president's high public satisfaction.

Summary

The president has historically maintained very high public approval ratings, which serve as a public report card on his administration's perceived success. Surveys have shown his satisfaction level reaching as high as 82 percent in July and 80 percent around February 2024, though this figure is noted to have fallen to 75 percent in late September 2024. The primary driver cited for this sustained public satisfaction has consistently been the perceived success of the economy and government intervention through social safety net policies, even amidst the initial poor response to the pandemic. The high level of trust solidifies the president's political legitimacy, as indicated by official statements in May 2023 regarding an 80 percent satisfaction rate.

This commanding approval rating has significant political implications, positioning the outgoing president as a potential 'kingmaker' in subsequent elections, as his endorsement can sway the electability of candidates. However, the rating is shown to be sensitive to certain political events; for instance, a dip in late 2024 followed an aborted attempt by his allies to change minimum age requirements for regional elections. Conversely, support for presidential candidates perceived to be close to the president tends to follow the trend of his own rating, highlighting his continuing influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Joko Widodo's position on Approval Rating?

Joko Widodo's position is less about an expressed view on the metric itself, and more about the high levels he has achieved. The president has presided over a tenure where his approval rating has generally remained very high, often above 70 percent. This level of support is seen as a measure of his administration's success in the eyes of the public.

Has Joko Widodo's stance on Approval Rating changed over time?

The president has not publicly changed his stance on the concept of approval ratings, which are reported by pollsters. However, the rating itself has fluctuated over his two terms. Early in his presidency, his rating was lower, around 64 percent, but it rose significantly to the 70-80 percent range during his second term before dipping slightly toward the end of his mandate.

What did Joko Widodo say about his high approval ratings?

The president's official office highlighted the high satisfaction, such as when a July 2024 announcement noted an 80 percent approval rating, solidifying his legitimacy. While not often directly commenting on the number itself, the administration often cites positive indicators like economic recovery and infrastructure development as the reasons for the public's favorable view of his performance.