Leadership styles, Emotional Intelligence of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and its impact on Public Trust and Public Satisfaction

Abstract

Following the declaration of Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945, the country's founding fathers developed the Indonesian state's goals, outlined in the 1945 Constitution's preamble. To attain the intended national goals, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, throughout the era of President Sukarno until now, specifically President Joko Widodo, has enacted numerous policies. This study examines the intricate interplay of leadership styles, emotional intelligence, and their combined impact on public trust and satisfaction in the Indonesian context, specifically focusing on President Joko Widodo. Employing a quantitative research approach, structural and measurement models were meticulously assessed using SmartPLS 3. The study's sample comprises 500 respondents residing in Indonesia's five largest cities: Surabaya, Jakarta, Bali, Bandung, and Banjarmasin, ensuring geographic diversity and urban representation. The research identifies three predominant leadership styles—autocratic, democratic, and transformational—and elucidates their effects on public trust and satisfaction. Furthermore, it explores the moderating role of emotional intelligence in shaping these relationships. The theory of planned behaviour serves as a foundational framework to interpret the cognitive processes behind public trust and satisfaction. The findings of this study contribute significantly to the existing literature by shedding light on the nuanced dynamics between leadership styles, emotional intelligence, and public perception. Such insights can inform policy decisions and leadership development initiatives to enhance trust and satisfaction in leadership roles. This research also underscores the need for a holistic understanding of leadership in the Indonesian context, acknowledging both the multifaceted nature of leadership and the unique cultural dimensions that shape it. Ultimately, it is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in leadership, emotional intelligence, and public sentiment in Indonesia.