PDIP Doubts Jokowi's Claim of Ignorance Regarding Buffalo Head Stomping Ritual

Deddy Sitorus, a central executive board member of Indonesia's ruling party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), has questioned the credibility of President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) statement that he was unaware of a traditional ritual involving the stomping of a buffalo's head during his political safari in Lampung. Sitorus claimed to have received information that Jokowi was actually the chairman of the organizing committee for the event. "Whether Jokowi wants to stomp on a buffalo's head or a snake's head, that's up to him, it has nothing to do with us. What I heard is that Jokowi was the chairman of the committee for that activity," Sitorus was quoted as saying by Detik on Friday (3/7). Sitorus suggested that statements made by the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), which is considered close to the President, might not be true and would be difficult to prove. He alluded to Jokowi's character, stating that the President would do anything to achieve his goals. "So it's very illogical and possibly a lie if he says he didn't know about this drama of stomping. For us, it doesn't matter what Jokowi does to achieve his goals, we don't care," he added. Furthermore, Sitorus stated that Jokowi must do everything possible to maintain his political dynasty. "He indeed has to do whatever it takes to maintain his dynasty. And that is indeed the hallmark and character of a Jokowi, he will do anything," he said. Sitorus, who is also a member of Commission II of the House of Representatives, suggested that it was Jokowi himself who created and popularized the traditional ceremony. "This is the story, he created it, he was worried about it, and he also made it viral. For us, it's just a funny joke to keep the public talking about him," Sitorus said. Meanwhile, Bestari Barus, a central executive board member of PSI, had previously stated that Jokowi was not aware that there would be a buffalo head stomping ceremony. He mentioned that Jokowi only participated in the traditional event as a form of respect and had predicted that the ceremony would become a topic of discussion. "So, when he went up on stage, he was aware of it. Last night, we were in Solo, and he was talking. He said, 'What is this, I didn't know there was a buffalo head.' When he went up and saw the buffalo head, he muttered, 'Oh, this will be a big topic,'" Barus recounted. Barus reiterated that the ceremony was carried out to respect the local customs and emphasized that Jokowi was not acting like a movie star. "Well, let the public judge later. The point is, Mr. Jokowi is not acting in a soap opera there, but is following what was directed by the local traditional elders," he said. Jokowi stomped on a buffalo's head during his visit to Lampung last week, where he received the title 'Baginda Pemuka Bangsa' (Ruler of the People's Leaders). Seated on a chair in local attire, he was prompted to step on a buffalo's head placed on a red carpet. A Lampung cultural expert and member of the Lampung Traditional Council (MPAL), Admi Syarif, explained that the buffalo head stomping ceremony is part of the sacred cultural tradition of the Lampung people, dating back hundreds of years. Source: CNN Indonesia