A Sign from Jokowi?
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo once again expressed his disappointment after losing a hosting rights of the FIFA U-20 World Cup during a Ramadan gathering event attended by all members of his ruling coalition, except PDIP and Nasdem. Many speculate that it could be a sign from the President in relation to the 2024 race, and also the cabinet reshuffle. Is it true?
Jokowi’s State of Relationship with PDIP
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo admitted that he’s sad and disappointed after losing a hosting rights of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Many wondered about the state of relationship between the President and his own political party, PDIP, and also Ganjar Pranowo since the election year is already on the horizon.
The New BNPT Chief & Police Job Rotation
There has been a speculation that Comr. Gen. Rycko Amelza Dahniel might be appointed to replace Comr. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar as the new chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT). The speculation arose after a job rotation instituted by the Chief of the National Police (Kapolri) General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
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.