NTT Traditional Community Prepares to Confer "Manek Tirosa" Honorary Title on Jokowi

KUPANG, PASUNDAN POS – Indonesia's seventh President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), is scheduled to receive the traditional honorary title of "Manek Tirosa" (King of Timor, Rote, and Sabu) during his National Unity Tour (Safari Kebangsaan) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which is planned to take place in Kupang Regency.

The information was conveyed by Charles Kopong Koten, Chairman of the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Executive Board of the Gerakan Berani Nusantara (GBRAN), in an interview with SuaraNegeri.co.id on Friday (July 31, 2026).

According to Charles, GBRAN NTT has spent the past week coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure the success of Jokowi's scheduled visit.

"We have finalized all preparations for the National Unity Tour of Indonesia's seventh President, Joko Widodo, which is scheduled to take place in East Nusa Tenggara," Charles said.

He explained that preparations have also involved local government officials, including a coordination meeting with Kupang Deputy Regent Aurum Titu Eki, held at GMIT Marturia Oetete Church in Kupang Regency.

Charles said Jokowi is expected to visit several locations across the province. One of the highlights of the visit will be the traditional ceremony to confer the honorary title "Manek Tirosa," a cultural tribute representing the indigenous communities of Timor, Rote, and Sabu.

"At that location, Mr. Jokowi is scheduled to receive the traditional title of Manek Tirosa, or King of Timor, Rote, and Sabu," he said.

According to the organizing committee, the welcoming ceremony at GMIT Marturia Oetete Church will begin with Jokowi's arrival at the church grounds, followed by the presentation of the honorary title and the ceremonial dressing in traditional attire.

Jokowi is then scheduled to enter the church accompanied by traditional Gong and Rote dances, receive a formal welcome from church representatives, and depart the venue escorted by ethnic cultural performances and two children dressed in traditional costumes, symbolizing the transmission of cultural values to future generations.

Charles said the ceremonial procession reflects the respect and appreciation of the people of East Nusa Tenggara for Jokowi while also serving as an effort to preserve the region's rich cultural heritage and indigenous traditions.

He added that the conferral of the honorary title carries profound symbolic significance for the people of East Nusa Tenggara beyond being merely a welcoming ceremony.

Manek Tirosa, literally meaning "King of Timor, Rote, and Sabu," is one of the highest traditional honors bestowed upon a public figure or leader who is regarded as having demonstrated exceptional commitment, service, and dedication to the people of these regions.

The planned conferral is intended to symbolize the close emotional bond between the people of East Nusa Tenggara and Indonesia's seventh President, Joko Widodo. During his presidency, infrastructure development, improved regional connectivity, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the local economy and public welfare were widely viewed by supporters as having contributed significantly to the province's development.(Gus)