Indonesian woman arrested for breaking through motorcade security to shake President Jokowi’s hand

18 November 2022
Insight
Denpasar

*An Indonesian woman managed to breakthrough the perimeter in order to shake hands with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Nov. 17, 2022, in Denpasar. Photo: Screengrab.*

DENPASAR, NETIZENBALI.com - An Indonesian woman managed to bust through presidential motorcade security for a chance to shake President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s hands through the window yesterday. While the fangirling act did not last long, the clip of her action went viral and posed questions about the president’s security detail.

President Jokowi and his motorcade were passing on Thamrin Street in Denpasar yesterday when the woman, donning a white blouse and blue pants, suddenly broke through the security perimeter and ran toward the presidential state car.

The woman proceeded to put her hands through the backseat window and asked the president to shake her hand.

The woman, later identified as W, 36, was grabbed by members of the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres) moments later. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident.

Bali Police spokesman Stefanus Satake Bayu Setianto said that W and her husband, RUA, 36, were arrested and later let go without further investigation. RUA was initially arrested as he was the one filming W’s antics.

“It was a form of enthusiasm from the Balinese people. Because the president opened his window and [W] wanted to be near [him],” said Stefanus.

W was warned not to pull off the daring act again out of consideration for her own safety.

The Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, who was in the car with president Jokowi, confirmed that the woman was merely fangirling and did not attempt to cause any harm.

“She was very much a fan of the president, wanted to shake hands and asked for a t-shirt,” he said.

President Jokowi was on an official visit at the Badung traditional market yesterday following the conclusion of the G20 Summit the day before. (NB/ Coconutsbali.com)