Luhut Binsar Panjaitan’s recent political maneuvers reflect a man trying—carefully, even gracefully—to avoid open confrontation. His meeting with President Prabowo Subianto as Chairman of the National Energy Council (DEN), followed by a long essay defending the industrial ecosystem of Morowali and IMIP, revealed a statesman attempting to lower the temperature at a time when political frictions inside the administration are rising. His tone was uncharacteristically subdued, almost academic. Despite Luhut’s efforts at restraint, a collision with Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid. To subscribe please click here
