REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- It has been two years, the First Lady Iriana Widodo living in Jakarta. As a president's wife, she must accompany her husband Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo who previously served as Jakarta governor. Jokowi's activities make Iriana not have much time to return to her hometown in Solo, Central Java.
"I have so many friends in Solo. Things are not the same anymore," Iriana said on Thursday.
The mother of three children basically has not changed much since becoming wife of high official, including the mayor's wife, the governor's wife and now the president's wife. The difference is many people knowing her.
"Definitely yes. People often look at me when accompanying my husband," Iriana added.
According to Iriana, she is often difficult to serve residents who ask for photo with her in public place. The 51 year-old woman currently lives at the Presidential Palace with her husband and children. Iriana and Jokowi have been married for 28 years. She got to know Jokowi through his little sister and married him in 1986.
Iriana wanted to keep her promise to accompany her husband as the First Lady. The quintessential Javanese woman has always stood by her husband as a loyal and attentive wife who puts her husband before herself.