President Jokowi Officially Crowned as Elder of Timor Kings in Kupang

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) of Indonesia was officially conferred the title 'Elder of the Timor Kings' (Sesepuh Raja-Raja Timor) by eight kings who hold royal territories on Timor Island. The investiture ceremony took place in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The coronation was held as part of the 'Elephant Carnival' at the Lahi Lai Besi Kopan (LLBK) Beach area in Kupang City. Raja Amanatun, Jonathan Banunaek, stated that the investiture was performed by eight kings who possess royal territories on Timor Island, emphasizing that these were legitimate monarchs. He noted that one king, the Raja Amarasi, was absent. Jonathan detailed the eight kings present: Raja Wewiku-Wehal, Raja Amanatun, Raja Amanuban, Raja Mollo, Raja Biboki, Raja Bikomi Nilulat, Raja Amfoang, and Raja Nisnoni. 'One Raja Kerajaan Amarasi was absent,' he clarified. President Jokowi's arrival at the event was met with great enthusiasm by thousands of residents who had packed the LLBK Beach since the afternoon. Upon his arrival, citizens jostled to shake hands and take photos with him. The President was seen greeting the waving crowd and distributing several T-shirts to the public. As he ascended the stage, President Jokowi was adorned with a traditional Timor headscarf and a distinctive NTT woven fabric before being surrounded by the Timor Kings. One by one, the kings offered prayers and draped traditional Timor shawls around Jokowi. Through this procession, Jokowi officially received the traditional honor as the Elder of the Timor Kings. The moment of investiture was captured by the attending citizens. Thousands of people filled the LLBK area to witness the Elephant Carnival and the investiture ceremony. Source: Detik