Joko

Joko is a masculine given name of Javanese origin that is widely used in Indonesia. In Java and elsewhere in the country, it appears as a standalone given name as well as a familiar nickname derived from longer personal names. In contemporary Indonesia, Joko is commonly encountered across communities and may be paired with a variety of surnames or family names.

Prominent bearers include Joko Widodo (born 1961), an Indonesian politician who has served as the president of Indonesia since 2014. He is frequently referred to by the nickname Jokowi, a contraction of Joko Widodo. Another notable figure is Joko Anwar (born 1978), an Indonesian film director and screenwriter known for his work in contemporary Indonesian cinema. In Javanese folklore, Joko Tarub is a legendary character who appears in traditional tales and is associated with the collection of stories about celestial maidens.

The name Joko is distinct from Jokowi, which is a widely recognized nickname associated with Joko Widodo, and from other given names or surnames. The use of Joko reflects Indonesian naming practices and the broader Javanese cultural sphere, where short, easy-to-pronounce names are common across generations.