Indonesian Presidental Candidate Joko Widodo is a Metalhead

Indonesia’s next presidential election is this July, and while I won’t legally be allowed to vote, I now endorse Joko Widodo, current governor of Jakarta and candidate for the Democratic Party of Struggle, or PDI-P. I have no idea what where Widodo stands on any of the issues; for that matter, I have no idea what the issues even are in this particular election. Still, this passage from a recent Bloomberg profile of the candidate has me convinced he’s the right man for the job:

“Widodo has distanced himself from traditional politicians in other ways, from the way he dresses when meeting the public – – a plain white shirt and slacks as opposed the khaki-colored uniform of bureaucrats — to the way he gets to work, and the music he listens to. He lists heavy metal bands Metallica, Megadeth, Lamb of God and Napalm Death among his favorites.

“‘Rock music gives me motivation, gives me spirit about the environment, about the corruption, about justice,” he says. “The beat of the drum — boom, boom — gives me spirit.’”

Governor Widodo has also apparently promised that, if elected, he will prevent Wes Borland from ever returning to Jakarta. Okay, I may have made that last part up. But still! I bet it crossed it mind!

P.S. Anyone else think Widodo looks kinda like Gilbert Gottfried?

Thanks: William S.