PDIP on the Move
The ruling party PDIP has approached the United Development Party (PPP) to explore a possible coalition for the 2024 presidential race. This development is worth highlighting because PPP has already formed a coalition with Golkar Party and the National Mandate Party (PAN).
Plumpang Fire & Agrarian Issues
On Sunday (Mar 5), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited North Jakarta to check the victims of the deadly fire at the Pertamina Plumpang Depot that killed at least 19 locals. The President ordered Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir and Acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono to come up with an immediate solution in the next two days. The President also ordered an audit for the safety of the state facilities across the country that posed a similar danger.
Paloh-Prabowo Meeting
Media mogul Surya Paloh, who is the chairman of Nasdem Party, met with Prabowo Subianto, the chairman of Gerindra Party, at the latter’s private residence on Sunday (Mar 5). The meeting is worth highlighting in light of 2024 race and the tension between Prabowo’s camp and Anies Baswedan.
Concern on State Official’s Lifestyle
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo shared his concern on the lifestyle of the state officials. It’s not the first time the President expresses his concern for the matter. In fact, the President has repeatedly reminded the state officials to refrain from exhibiting a luxurious lifestyle, and one can understand why.
2024 Race: Legal Battles to Watch
The District Court of Central Jakarta (PN Jakpus) granted the lawsuit filed by the Prima Party and the Court shockingly ordered the General Election Commission (KPU) to delay the 2024 elections until July 2025. In the meantime, the Constitutional Court (MK) rejected a judicial review (JR) regarding the length of presidential term, and therefore the presidential term will remain to be two periods.
PDIP-KIB Coalition?
Some believe that the ruling party PDIP will eventually join forces with the so-called Koalisi Indonesia Bersatu (KIB), a coalition which consists of Golkar, PAN and PPP, in the 2024 presidential race. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is widely believed to play a crucial role in convincing Megawati Soekarnoputri to establish the rumored big coalition.
Anies’ Meeting with Democratic Party
Today (Mar 2), Anies Baswedan is expected to visit the Democratic Party’s headquarters to meet with the Party’s Highest Council led by former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). His visit is worth highlighting because it will be held in the midst of a tension between Democratic Party and Nasdem Party after Nasdem mentioned Khofifah Indar Parawansa as Anies’ potential running mate.
2024 Race Dynamics (22)
The Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) shared its prediction that Ganjar Pranowo-Erick Thohir has a bigger chance at winning the 2024 presidential race than Anies Baswedan-Khofifah Indar Parawansa. However, anything can happen in 2024 and it is better not to underestimate anyone.
Police Job Rotation: Major Change Begins
The Chief of the National Police (Kapolri), General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, instituted a job rotation affecting 92 police officers. This is the first rotation General Sigit made this year. It is worth highlighting because it is a part of his consolidation of power, and a beginning of a major change that the General will make to replace those that will soon enter the mandatory retirement age.
Anies Rhetorics (2)
Anies Baswedan has once again proudly talked about his achievements during his term as Jakarta governor. He confidently asked people to look into his track record. Rather than gaining more sympathy, however, the rhetoric could backfire on Anies.