Presidential Palace reporter: Never wear jeans, don't be afraid to get caught in the rain

There is a dress code at the Presidential Palace that prohibits wearing jeans.

KOMPAS/CYPRIANUS ANTO SAPTOWALYONO

President Joko Widodo approached a crowd of journalists on the west side of Merdeka Palace ahead of the Proclamation Day Commemoration at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (17/8/2023).

Journalists' activities when covering the President and Vice President may seem impressive. Every day it is free to enter and leave the Presidential Palace. In fact, sometimes there are people who think that every day they report they will meet the President.

Certainly, that is not entirely true, although it is also not entirely wrong. What is certain is that covering news in the palace actually means compromising and following all the rules in the palace. The freedom of journalists to wear jeans and t-shirts, for example, is nearly gone.

During the era of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, do not expect to be able to freely enter the Presidential Palace while wearing jeans or sandals. This rule applies to everyone, including journalists, who want to enter the palace.

However, a few months ago there was also a rare moment when a journalist was "allowed" to cover the activities of President Jokowi inside the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, wearing jeans.

Also read: Fashion Diplomacy, from the Minister of Foreign Affairs' Mismathced Shoes to Bung Karno's Service Marked Jacket

This happened when President Jokowi in mid-June 2023 received Putri Ariani, a singer who had just received the golden buzzer from Simon Cowell at the talent search event America's Got Talent (AGT). At that time, Putri went viral throughout the world.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

President Joko Widodo adjusts singer Putri Ariani's microphone position before singing at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (14/6/2023).

The Princess' performance on the AGT YouTube channel was watched by tens of millions in just a few days. The influencers who made comments about Princess' performance are countless.

President Jokowi also invited Putri to the Palace. At that time, Putri was accompanied by her father, Ismawan Kurnianto, and her mother, Reny Alfianty.

Also read: President's Appreciation to Princess Ariani, "Fly High..."

Arriving at the Palace, Ismawan was wearing jeans and a white shirt. We, the journalists, were surprised and thought that the ban on wearing jeans would be relaxed, especially for Princess's father.

However, when the journalist arrived at the side steps of the Istana Merdeka, a member of the Presidential Security Force or Paspampres approached Dhio Faiz Syarahil, an online journalist. He asked Dhio to lend his long cloth pants to Putri's father.

KOMPAS/NINA SUSILO

On the day of Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri, President Joko Widodo opened the doors of the Palace for officials or the public to come and perform the tradition of silaturahmi (visiting and seeking forgiveness). The Presidential Security Force personnel also shook hands with the President and Lady Iriana while bringing their families as well.

Even though he was doubtful, Dhio was kind. Dhio also exchanged trousers with Putri's father. Only after that, with a little panic, Dhio asked, "Then I'll cover it, how? Can I come in?” Paspampres immediately answered, "That's it, just come in ."

Be like Dhio, reporting in jeans. We journalists immediately captured this "rare event." After the event, Putri and her parents left the Merdeka Palace escorted by President Jokowi and State Secretary Minister Pratikno.

Also read: Confirmation of Identity Through Clothing at the US Presidential Inauguration

After that, journalists then told the story of exchanging trousers to President Jokowi and Pratikno. We also laughed with the President and Pratikno. At that time, President Jokowi joked, "There should be no anything (wearing jeans)."

KOMPAS/ARYO WISANGGENI GENTHONG

The oldest 501 jeans in the Levi's Museum archival collection at Levi's Plaza in San Francisco, estimated to have been made in 1879 and valued at $150,000 USD.

However, the ban on wearing jeans has not changed so far. So, be sure not to wear jeans and sandals when covering the President and Vice President. Although it rarely happens, sometimes the Personnel of the Press Bureau or Paspampres may lend cloth pants to a journalist who forgets to wear jeans while covering the President or Vice President.

It should be okay (wearing jeans).

For certain events there is a dress code or dress code that must be followed when reporting at the Presidential Palace Complex. When covering state ceremonies to welcome state guests or conferences attended by heads of state/heads of government of other countries, for example, journalists must wear full civil clothing, namely shirts, jackets and cloth trousers.

Sometimes, batik becomes the attire that journalists must wear when covering official state events at the Presidential Palace or Vice Presidential Palace. As a result, on certain occasions, the palace complex becomes a gathering place for a large number of journalists who dress in batik and are united.

Also read: After ”Wearing in Kebaya”, Now the Palace is ”Batik”

BIRO PERS SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN - LAILY RACHEV

President Joko Widodo and Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo, as well as Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and Mrs. Wury Ma'ruf Amin, attended the Batik Palace event in the courtyard of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Sunday evening (1/10/2023).

In addition, everyone entering the Palace must comply with the obligation to scan their belongings. Journalists are no exception, and their bags will be scanned at every door. Once the metal detector sounds, be prepared for further inspection by the officers.

Cell phones must be left behind

Nevertheless, registered journalists with Palace press identity cards - marked with the Presidential Secretariat and the Vice Presidential Secretariat symbols and equipped with a Paspampres hologram - have the freedom to bring equipment, such as cameras and smartphones. As for the mobile phones of guests who wish to enter the Palace, they are usually required to be left in lockers provided at one of the entrances.

In addition to following these rules, journalists also need to be very aware that they are covering the President and Vice President with all their entourage and security attached. So, journalists need to know how to position themselves.

For instance, during a forum where the President or Vice President gives a speech and marks it with the beating of a gong or similar, journalists can only be on the reporting stage. It is impossible for them to move to the front row to get a better picture.

Also read: When Jokowi Invites to Share the Presidential Podium

If someone dares to approach the position of the President or Vice President, besides being scolded by the photographers and cameramen on the journalist stage and feeling obstructed, the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres) will also be sure to quickly pull and block them.

BPMI SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN/MUCHLIS JR

President Joko Widodo signed a plaque inaugurating the regional road improvement through the Regional Road Program (IJD) in Banggai Islands Regency, Central Sulawesi, on Tuesday (03/26/2024).

When President Jokowi visits a region for his working visit to observe the real conditions, such as in rice fields or residential areas, journalists should also be aware of their own movements. For example, they should not accidentally bump or step on the foot of the First Lady who accompanies the President, although this is almost impossible to happen as the Paspampres members will be ready to prevent it.

Also read: Life Shield Guards for Presidential Vehicles

Covering the President and Vice President also requires being prepared for any weather. Usually, President Jokowi's agenda will not stop just because of heavy rain. President Jokowi will hold an umbrella and continue the inspection and events.

In this context, journalists must also be prepared to secure their equipment. Their tools should not be allowed to get soaked in rain, as it could cause damage and prevent recording.

BPMI SEKRETARIAT PRESIDEN

Journalists cover President Joko Widodo reviewing the Ciliwung River under the rain, February 20, 2023.

For example, during coverage of a visit to the Ciliwung River basin on February 20, 2023, it was raining heavily when President Jokowi arrived. Journalists immediately took out umbrellas, plastic bags, and bag covers to protect their equipment.

Also read: 79 Stories Behind Palace Coverage, Memories from President to President

After taking pictures from a certain spot, the journalist quickly interviewed President Jokowi. One hand is holding the recording tool, while the other is holding an umbrella. For the cameraman who has to focus on taking pictures with both hands, there will be fellow journalists who will shelter them.

Journalists will use anything, be it umbrellas, raincoats, or plastic, to secure their equipment. Essentially, their bodies can get wet, but their tools must not.