Author: yosefardi.com

Ulil Abshar Abdalla was known a young Moslem scholar, famous for his Liberal Islam Network. He is now one of executives of President SBY’s Demokrat Party. When it comes to the idea of dissolution of controversial Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Ulil is pretty consistent. Interestingly, FPI spokesperson rebuffed Ulil’s suggestion saying “Demokrat Party is the one needs to be dissolved for rampant corruption’.

Three major papers carried Anas-related headlines this morning: Nazar-Anas Company Cost the State Huge Losses (Koran Tempo), Anas Asks SBY Improve Performance (Media Indonesia), and It Depends on SBY (Kompas). Different angles, but probably with similar tones.

The Jakarta Post published an article titled ‘Cabinet power struggle may end in reshuffle’ this morning. Targets of the reshuffle might be those recently reported by cabinet secretary Dipo Alam to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding the so-called ‘budget-fixing scheme’. They are ministry of defense, agriculture, and trade.

Going through names of petitioners, who managed to convince seven out of eight Constitutional Court judges to close down BPMigas, people would come up with various theories about their motives. Government officers’ responses might also trigger more theories.

Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is a popular figure in Solo, Central Java. He won 90% votes for his second term as mayor few years ago. He gained national popularity when he ‘endorsed’ the so-called ‘national car’ assembled by students in the city. Some praised his decision to use the car as ‘official car’ for the mayor, others, however criticized.