Wijayanti Putri, Solo – As his term comes to an end next week, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo chose to spend his weekend reflecting on his childhood in his hometown of Solo.
One of his activities included visiting his former school, SDN Tirtoyoso 111 Gilingan Elementary School, on Saturday.
President Jokowi arrived at the school, located behind Tirtonadi Bus Station, around 8:15 a.m. He was warmly welcomed by teachers and students.
Upon entering the school building, media representatives were not allowed inside and had to wait outside the school gate. Approximately 30 minutes later, the President exited the building and greeted the crowd gathered outside, taking pictures and handing out T-shirts.
"This is the first time he (Jokowi) has visited as president. He had come here when he was still the mayor of Solo," said Leliy Maria, the principal of SDN Tirtoyoso 111 Gilingan.
When asked about President Jokowi's activities during the visit, Leliy mentioned that he entered classrooms 4 and 5 and even sat at one of the desks inside.
"He also observed the condition of the school buildings. There are differences between how things were when he was a student here and how they are now. For example, the canteen has been relocated," she said.
Leliy added that President Jokowi met with a former classmate from elementary school and provided gifts to the children and teachers before leaving.
"He met Mr. Gunarsih, a friend from his elementary school days. He also gave gift bags with stationery to all 152 students. Additionally, the teachers and I received batik fabric gifts from him," she explained.
Joko Widodo will officially step down as President on Oct. 20, replaced by President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who won the Presidential Election in February with 58.59 percent of the votes. Jokowi's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, will serve as the vice president.