The curious case of Teddy Indra Wijaya’s promotion
The promotion of Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya from Major to Lieutenant Colonel has sparked both support and controversy. Some see it as a recognition of his performance and influence (considered the most powerful cabinet member), while others question the transparency and adherence to meritocratic principles. However, beyond this debate, there are political undercurrents that cannot be ignored.
Prabowo’s Sekolah Rakyat Program
The Indonesian government is targeting to launch a total of 100 community schools, or locally known as “Sekolah Rakyat”, all across the country by the end of 2025. This program will be managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs as per President Prabowo Subianto’s instruction, aiming to provide free education for children from poor families. Recently on March 10, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah “Gus Ipul” Yusuf confirmed that 50 schools are ready for operation.
Puan, Bambang Pacul, and the Signs of Change in PDI-P
The presence of Puan Maharani at the 6th Congress of the Democratic Party in Jakarta on February 24, 2025, is interesting to discuss in the context of national political dynamics. Accompanied by Bambang Wuryanto, commonly known as Bambang Pacul, Puan appears increasingly active in various political agendas involving key figures. Not only did she attend the Democratic Congress, but she was also present at a regional leaders’ retreat in Magelang and was even seen in discussions with President Prabowo Subianto, SBY, and Jokowi. Could this be a signal of significant change within PDI-P, particularly concerning the position of Secretary-General, currently held by Hasto Kristiyanto, who has been named a suspect and detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)?
Prabowo’s volunteers in free meal program
Free ‘nutritious’ meal (MBG) is by far the single largest project in Prabowo regime. With initial investment of Rp71 trillion, the project might soon get additional Rp100 trillion. The ultimate target is Rp400 trillion or US$24 billion per annum. Pretty much as anticipated, more volunteers from Prabowo’s presidential campaign involved in the project.
Pertamina Buzzers
Mufti Anam, a member of Commission VI of DPR from the PDIP faction, criticized Pertamina’s board of directors for recruiting the children of celebrity Deddy Corbuzier (now a special staffer of defense ministe) in an attempt to promote Pertamina and its services. This criticism was conveyed during a hearing meeting between Commission VI of DPR and Pertamina, held on Tuesday (11/03) to discuss the work plan and evaluation of the corporation.
MK Ruling and Political Dynamics of Papua’s Regional Election
The Constitutional Court (MK) ruling ordering a repeat of the 2024 Papua gubernatorial election has added to the political dynamics in the Land of Cenderawasih. This decision was made after vice gubernatorial candidate Yermias Bisai was disqualified due to dishonesty regarding his residency status. Consequently, the pair Benhur Tomi Mano and Yermias Bisai must face a new political reality: repeating the electoral contest in a different format.
Bahlil’s Doctoral Degree Controversy
Recently, it is reported that the Board of Professors of University of Indonesia (DGB UI) has submitted a recommendation to revoke Bahlil Lahadalia’s doctoral degree since the beginning of January 2025 due to several misconducts found in his graduation process. The UI Rectorate is responsible for making the final decision, but as of today (03/03) we only know that there will be a coordination meeting between four organs of UI scheduled for this week to discuss the matter. So, nothing is set in stone, and people wonder why it takes them so long to take action.
Dedi Mulyadi’s Actions: Controversy, Popularity, and Impact
The Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, has once again captured public attention with a series of controversial policies deemed groundbreaking by some, but seen as PR show by others, in the governance of his province. Among them are the demolition of tourist sites in the Puncak Bogor area, a ban on school field trips outside West Java, and various policies aimed at restructuring the province’s tourism and transportation sectors. Although these policies are justified on the grounds of environmental protection, safety, and the local economy, their impact on various sectors cannot be overlooked.
PBNU & The Mining Concession
The government’s decision to grant mining concessions to mass organizations, including Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), is seen as both an economic growth opportunity and a source of controversy. From an economic perspective, it could provide a new revenue stream to support NU’s social and educational programs. However, major challenges such as transparency, environmental impact, and potential conflicts of interest cannot be overlooked.
MBG Program: Continuous Mass Protests in Central Papua
Another mass protest to refuse the free nutritious meals (MBG) program erupted in Central Papua on Wednesday (26/02). This time, it was students in Deiyai Regency that embarked on a long march, adding to the list of similar mass protests happening in the province within the last two weeks. Their key demands are no different either, for they want the government to prioritize free education over free meals.