Presidential Pairing Talks
The so-called Laskar Ganjar Puan (LGP), a volunteer group that seek to pair Ganjar Pranowo with Puan Maharani, sees Megawati Soekarnoputri’s speech in the 49th anniversary event of the ruling party PDIP as a signal for Ganjar-Puan pairing in the 2024 race. Others, meanwhile, suggested pairing Ganjar with Prabowo Subianto.
Extension Trap (2)
The Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia, a politician from the Golkar Party, came up with an idea to postpone the 2024 elections for three years into 2027. It’s not a new idea, and many disagreed with Bahlil, including those from Golkar and the other members of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s ruling coalition.
Alpha JWC Ventures & Jokowi’s Sons
Ubeidilah Badrun, lecturer Jakarta State University (UNJ), made headlines this week because of his report against Gibran Rakabuming and Kaesang Pangarep, sons of President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The name of Alpha JWC Ventures, one of the fastest growing venture capitals in the country, is mentioned in the report of potential conflict of interest.
Attack on Jokowi
Ubedilah Badrun, a political observer and lecturer from the Jakarta State University (UNJ), reported the two sons of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). He also urged the KPK to summon the President for questioning. One wonders who is behind this maneuver?
Megawati’s Support (4)
The ruling party PDIP celebrated its 49th anniversary on Monday (Jan. 10). The fifth President, Megawati Soekarnoputri (who is also the chairperson of PDIP) and President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo gave a speech at the said event. Interestingly, Megawati has once again defended and expressed her support to the President in her speech.
Gibran & 2024 Speculation (2)
The 2024 Jakarta gubernatorial race is still two years away, but many names have been mentioned as potential governor candidates. One of them is the Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is the eldest son of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
2022 Sting Operation: West Java, Again
In September 2021, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) visited West Java and held a coordination meeting on an integrated corruption eradication program with at least 120 legislators. On said occasion, the KPK said that 26 provinces had had to deal with KPK enforcement. West Java more than others. The largest province in the country could maintain the abominable record this year as the Mayor of Bekasi, Rahmat Effendi, has recently been caught for graft. The KPK has unraveled a total of nine cases in West Java (in different municipalities). Two uncovered last year were related to the COVID-19 national recovery program.
The Change of Pangdam Jaya
The Military Commander (Panglima TNI) General Andika Perkasa has made Maj. Gen. Untung Budiharto the new territorial commander of the Greater Jakarta Military Command (Pangdam Jaya) to replace Lt. Gen. Mulyo Aji. The change is worth highlighting because Untung was a member of the infamous Tim Mawar (Rose Team) of the Army’s Special Forces Kopassus, the team responsible for the kidnapping of activists back in 1998. Meanwhile, Mulyo Aji could become an acting governor.
Adhie Massardi & Friends’ Latest Maneuver
The so-called Poros Nasional Pemberantasan Korupsi (PNPK), led by Adhie Massardi, reported several high-profile figures to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday (Jan. 6). Among the said high-profile figures are governors and ministers who could run in the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
A Speculation on Acting Jakarta Governor
Heru Budi Hartono, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, has been mentioned as the strongest potential candidate to become acting governor for the capital city Jakarta to replace Anies Baswedan, who will end his term this year. Heru is one of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s closest aides.