In a recent interview, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo reflected on his decade-long journey in office as he bids farewell to his presidency on October 20. “I entrusted the dreams and hopes of 280 million Indonesians to Prabowo,” he stated, as he handed over his responsibilities to his successor.

On that afternoon, Joko and his wife returned to his hometown of Solo, marking a return to his roots. He waved goodbye to crowds along the way, with some supporters shouting, “Thank you, Mr. Joko!”

Described as the “people’s president,” Joko was born 63 years ago into a carpenter’s family in the riverside city of Solo, Central Java. Reports indicate that his academic performance was unremarkable, graduating from a local university’s forestry program. He has had various jobs, including working as an office employee, selling furniture, and running a company.

Joko entered politics in 2005, becoming the mayor of Solo. He famously refused to take a salary during his time as mayor, instead directing his earnings towards helping the impoverished through his secretary. Known for his approachable demeanor and lack of bureaucratic airs, he maintained this style even as he rose through the political ranks.

In 2012, Joko moved on from his hometown to win the gubernatorial election in Jakarta. This victory set the stage for his successful presidential campaign in 2014, completing a remarkable leap from mayor to president. He was re-elected in 2019.

Throughout his presidency, Joko made a point of visiting villages, communities, and local markets, frequently soliciting public feedback. He was known to roll up his sleeves and assist farmers with rice planting, earning him the affectionate title of “people’s president.”

Over the last ten years, Joko established a significant legacy in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. In his final state of the nation address, he highlighted achievements such as large-scale infrastructure projects that notably improved Indonesia’s global competitiveness and enhanced the welfare of its citizens. Despite global economic slowdowns, Indonesia maintained a growth rate of around 5%.

Notably, the opening of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway marked a significant milestone during his administration. Joko also set in motion plans to relocate the nation’s capital to Nusantara.

Recent polls indicate that 75% of the populace expressed satisfaction with his governance. However, he has faced criticisms over certain policies and governance issues, admitting, “I am far from a perfect person.”

Interestingly, Joko fostered a unique political environment, transforming rivals into allies. His main opponent in the last two elections, Prabowo, was appointed as Minister of Defense, while his vice-presidential adversary, Sandiaga Uno, assumed the role of Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. This ability to bridge divides has become a celebrated narrative in Indonesian politics.

“As I prepare for retirement, I’ve been saying goodbye,” Joko shared. Over the months, he made similar remarks across various regions, from East Nusa Tenggara to North Sumatra and East Java to West Kalimantan. Just two days before stepping down, he announced to his cabinet that he would be returning to Solo, inviting everyone to visit.

This desire to return to a simpler life isn’t surprising; Joko has frequently expressed his longing for rural life and family ties. Solo, his hometown, is where his loved ones and childhood friends reside. Just last weekend, he revisited his old elementary school to relive his childhood memories.

Joko’s journey, from Solo to the presidency and back to Solo, resembles a full-circle journey, closing a legendary chapter as the “people’s president” returns to his humble beginnings.