Basuki Thahaja Purnama AKA Ahok, former governor of Jakarta, described the difference between him and President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo with the Boiling Frog Theory. “I wanted to replace someone immediately, but he withheld….,” he said in an interview with Tempo many years ago.

The Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil has officially joined Golkar Party, the second largest political party in the country. This development is truly worth highlighting in light of 2024 race.

The Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir has been very busy in the past few days. On Monday (Jan 16), Erick accompanied the fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also the chairperson of the ruling party PDIP, during her visit in Bali. Afterwards Erick met with Ganjar Pranowo, who is considered to be the most potential presidential candidate from PDIP, at the opening of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s (NU) sporting event in Solo, Central Java.

Upon returning from the overseas trip, media mogul Surya Paloh held a meeting with key leaders of his Nasdem Party at the Party’s headquarters on Monday (Jan 16). In the meeting, Paloh gave some instructions, including to continue supporting President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration and Anies Baswedan’s presidential bid.

Similar to Prabowo Subianto, Anies Baswedan is still struggling to find a running mate for 2024 race. Nasdem, a political party led by media mogul Surya Paloh that nominates Anies as presidential candidate, is currently considering some figures from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) as Anies’ potential running mate. NU, as we all know, is the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia.

Gerindra Party, the third largest party led by Prabowo Subianto, will celebrate its 15th birthday anniversary on Feb. 8. Some speculate that Prabowo might announce his running mate in the anniversary event. Let’s talk a bit about this speculation.

The United Development Party, member of the ruling coalition, predicted that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo might announce cabinet reshuffle on the next Pon Wednesday, which is the President’s birthday based on Javanese calendar. The next Pon Wednesday is on Feb. 1.

Pretty much as predicted, the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir runs for the chairmanship of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). Among those supporting Erick to become the new chairman of PSSI is Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. Erick may compete head-to-head against La Nyalla Mattalitti in the upcoming PSSI’s extraordinary congress.

Pretty much as predicted, PDIP leader Megawati Soekarnoputri didn’t announce the party’s president candidate in 2024 election during the 50th anniversary of the party on Tuesday (Jan 10). Megawati, however, hinted the party will nominate own cadre in the race.