Political Investments
On Thursday (Dec. 30), Erick Thohir, the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), attended the 12th commemoration ceremony of the passing of former President Abdurrahman Wahid a.k.a Gus Dur, who is also the late supreme leader of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) —the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. This has been widely seen as part of Erick’s investments ahead of the 2024 presidential race. But Erick isn’t alone since the others are also making similar political investments. The Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, for example, recently granted four city-owned land worth Rp97 billion to the Jakarta Metro Police and the Jakarta High Prosecutors Office.
A Limited Cabinet Meeting on Defense Sector
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo also held a limited cabinet meeting on defense sector at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Wednesday (Dec. 29). The President discussed the modernization of the Country’s primary defense system (Alutsista) and the development of the defense industry in the meeting. Also in the agenda was a discussion on the establishment of the holding company for the defense sector. Apart from the said cabinet meeting, the Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto met with the Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo a day earlier.
Jokowi-Gus Yahya Meeting
On Wednesday (Dec. 29), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo received Yahya Cholil Staquf a.k.a Gus Yahya, the new chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s Central Board (PBNU), at the Bogor Presidential Palace. The meeting is worth highlighting given the relationship between Gus Yahya and the President, and because the NU, as the largest Islamic organization in the republic, is important in Indonesian politics.
2022 Political Outlook: West Java Governor
The Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil is one of the most popular governors in Indonesia. West Java is the largest province in the country. Ridwan recently made a headline with his plan to join a political party next year. Ridwan has been mentioned as one of the strongest potential vice presidential candidates for 2024.
Jokowi & Ganjar (2)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is visiting Central Java, the third largest province in Indonesia, on Tuesday (Dec. 28). This is the President’s third visit to the province this month. Governor Ganjar Pranowo, who has been mentioned as one of the two strongest potential presidential candidates for 2024, accompanied the President again in this visit.
2022 Political Outlook: Jakarta Governor
Next year, there will be a change of leadership in 101 regions, including in the capital city Jakarta, as the service term of the heads of said regions ends. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will have the opportunity to appoint acting regional heads to lead the said 101 regions for two years until the simultaneous regional elections in 2024. The biggest question is, who will the President choose to replace Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan?
2022 Political Outlook: Military Commander
Military Commander (Panglima TNI) General Andika Perkasa will turn 58 years old next year. By law, he will have to retire by the end of December 2022. Which option will President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo choose: initiate another period of succession or extend Andika’s term?
Recent Noteworthy Political Events
Apart from the election of Yahya Cholil Staquf, a.k.a Gus Yahya as the new chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2021-2026 period, the past few days have seen other events worth highlighting. First, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated the new headquarters of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) along with former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is also the chairman of the DMI. Second, the Chairman of Gerindra Party Prabowo Subianto, who is also the Defense Minister, met with his former running mate in the 2019 presidential election, Sandiaga Uno, who is also the Tourism & Creative Economy Minister.
The New PBNU Chairman: Implications?
Yahya Cholil Staquf, a.k.a Gus Yahya, has been elected as the new chairman of the central board of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. Yahya, known close to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, will lead the PBNU in the 2024 political year.
Another Sign from Jokowi on Cabinet Reshuffle
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has just created another cabinet position: Vice Minister of Social Affairs (Wamensos) through the issuance of a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 110/2021. The public sees it as another sign from the President that a cabinet reshuffle is only a matter of time.