Blunder Ganjar
The world football governing body FIFA has officially decided to revoke Indonesia’s license to host the U-20 World Cup this year. FIFA is still discussing about a possible sanction for Indonesia. This decision is devastating for Indonesian national football players and football lovers in the country. Many of them are mad and blaming the Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and his political party, PDIP, for their anti-Israel sentiment that led to FIFA’s decision.
The BPK Leadership Selection
The House of Representatives (DPR) Commission XI released the list of 14 candidates of the Supreme Audit Agency’s (BPK) leadership. Much like what happened in the previous selections, we identified that some candidates are having crystal clear political connection.
The Next BNPT Chief (3)
The Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law & Security Affairs Mahfud MD told the press that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has made a decision on who will replace Comr. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar as the new chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT). It appears that the President will announce his decision and take the oath of the new BNPT chief within the next two days since Boy Rafli will enter his mandatory retirement age on Apr. 1, 2023.
Jokowi’s Order on U-20 World Cup
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo sent the Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir, who is also the minister of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), to lobby the world football governing body FIFA regarding the U-20 World Cup. As we’ve reported before, there’s a concern that FIFA might revoke Indonesia’s license to host the tournament. Besides, some people wonder why it seems like PDIP is making things difficult and complicated for Jokowi on this matter.
A Reminder for Ganjar
Another survey from Indikator Politik Indonesia found that Ganjar Pranowo is consistently at the top of the poll. Even so, Indikator said that Ganjar’s electability is relatively stagnant. In a related development, Ganjar has been receiving a lot of protests from netizens lately following his recent anti-Israel sentiment that, among others, might lead to the cancelation of Indonesia hosting the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Kalla, Golkar & 2024 Race
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is also former chairman of Golkar Party, stated that he has given a recommendation of potential running mate for Anies Baswedan. Kalla’s recommendation is worth highlighting given his influence to Anies, who is widely believed as his political apprentice.
Jokowi’s Latest Meetings
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a meeting with the House Speaker Puan Maharani, who is the daughter of PDIP Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri. The President also met with the Deputy House Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar, the chairman of PKB, on the same day. These two meetings are worth highlighting in light of the 2024 presidential election given the President’s role in the race.
Uncertainty on the FIFA U-20 World Cup
The polemic surrounding the participation of Israel national football team in the U-20 World Cup has led the World’s Football Governing Body FIFA to cancel the draw scheduled to be held in Bali. The Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir, who is also the minister of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) will soon meet with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to discuss the matter.
The Next BNPT Chief (2)
Police Comr. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar, the chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), will enter his mandatory retirement age on Friday (Mar 25). Therefore, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s announcement regarding Boy Rafli’s successor might take place today or tomorrow.
Anies-Said Aqil Meeting
Anies Baswedan recently met with Said Aqil Siroj, the former chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. The meeting is worth highlighting in light of 2024 race given Said Aqil’s influence within the NU, which has an important role in the upcoming elections.