Jokowi Reunites with Junior Classmate in Lampung, Recalls University Days

President Joko Widodo of Indonesia had a warm, nostalgic reunion with a junior classmate from his university days at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta, amidst his political tour in Lampung province. The encounter occurred when Jokowi visited Pondok Pesantren (Ponpes) Nurul Qodiri in Central Lampung Regency on Sunday (June 28). He was there to meet with the school's caretakers, officials, students, and a large crowd of local residents. During the visit, Jokowi unexpectedly met Utama Priyadi, a junior from his university. Both had studied at UGM's Faculty of Forestry, establishing a connection long before this reunion. Utama expressed his deep gratitude for meeting President Jokowi again, noting that their last encounter was during the president's first term visit to the UGM campus. "I am his junior; he was from the class of '80, and I am from the class of '82," Utama stated. Utama explained that the Faculty of Forestry had a relatively small student body, predominantly male, which fostered strong camaraderie. "We knew him well. We even witnessed his graduation preparations and other moments," he recalled. Beyond their campus ties, Utama also reminisced about Jokowi's passion for mountain climbing during their student years, mentioning that he had joined the former Solo mayor on several hiking trips. This chance meeting in Central Lampung provided a rare opportunity to reflect on their university days, which passed more than four decades ago. When introduced to the guests, Utama immediately mentioned their respective matriculation years. Jokowi himself only then realized his junior's presence amidst his Lampung itinerary. "He (Utama Priyadi) is from the class of '82, and I am from the class of '80," Jokowi joked, welcoming his former junior. This nostalgic reunion served as a pleasant interlude during Jokowi's three-day political safari in various parts of Lampung province, from June 26 to 28. His agenda in Lampung included not only political engagements but also extensive community outreach. The president's activities in Lampung began with attending the PSI Regional Coordination Meeting in Mesuji and Tulang Bawang Regencies. Subsequently, Jokowi received the traditional Lampung customary title "Baginda Pemuka Bangsa" (Ruler and Leader of the People) from five Lampung traditional kingdoms at Kedatun Keagungan in Bandar Lampung City, followed by an internal PSI event. He also met with volunteers, traditional leaders, and community figures. Later, Jokowi visited the Transmigration Museum in Bagelen Village, Pesawaran Regency, and interacted with micro, small, and medium enterprise (UMKM) players in Maliosewu. Jokowi concluded his working visit by visiting Ponpes Nurul Qodiri and Ponpes Tribakti in Central Lampung Regency before departing for Jakarta on Sunday (June 28) afternoon via Radin Inten II Airport in Lampung Selatan.