Ganjar, Prabowo’s Match
The research and development (Litbang) section of Kompas, the largest newspaper in Indonesia, has just released the result of its latest survey. The Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo (PDIP) appears capable of matching the electability of the Chairman of Gerindra Party Prabowo Subianto (Minister of Defense).
2024 Race Comes too Soon (7)
Today (Oct. 18), the Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto (Gerindra), who has just celebrated his 70th birthday (Oct. 17), is scheduled to visit the Tana Toraja & North Toraja regencies in South Sulawesi province. A day earlier, the Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo (PDIP) visited the North Maluku province, while the Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan attended the Ulema Congress of the United Development Party (PPP) in Semarang, Central Java. The 2024 race has come too soon.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Possibilities (3)
The latest rumor regarding cabinet reshuffle is that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo might send a presidential letter (surpres) to the House of Representatives (DPR), nominating a military commander (Panglima TNI) before setting off to Rome, Italy. The President is scheduled to attend the closing of the G20 Summit in Rome on Oct. 30, 2021.
Ex-KPK Officials & Their Political Agenda
Some former officials of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have expressed interest in establishing a new political party. The said former KPK officials are those who were recently dismissed for having failed to pass the civic knowledge test (TWK). If they really establish a new political party, one wonders who will be their financier(s) and who they will endorse in the 2024 race.
Major Obstacles in Airlangga’s 2024 Bid
It’s not a secret that the Chairman of Golkar Party Airlangga Hartarto wants to run in the 2024 presidential race. We can understand why. Golkar is the second largest political party in the country. The Golkar Party stated that it only needed the backing of one political party to provide a ticket for Airlangga. The problem is that Airlangga’s electability remains insignificant.
Notes on Modernization of Alutsista: The Turkey Connection
Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi revealed a new cooperation agreement between Indonesia and Turkey in some strategic sectors. One of them, according to Retno, is cooperation in the development of the defense industry, including in the development of aircraft and tanks.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Possibilities (2)
Debates rage surrounding the new role of the fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also the chairperson of the ruling party PDIP, as the chief supervisor of the National Research & Innovation Body (BRIN). The controversy aside, some see Megawati’s appointment as a hint of the possible change(s) to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s cabinet.
Another Role for Megawati
Today (Oct. 13), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will take the oath of the fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also the chairperson of the ruling party PDIP, as the chief supervisor of the National Research & Innovation Body (BRIN). BRIN, as we all know, has a strategic role in the country’s development of research & technology, including in the military primary weapon system (alutsista) and the development of vaccines.
Ganjar vs Puan (4)
The tension continues to flare between the supporters of Puan Maharani and the supporters of Ganjar Pranowo. One can understand why since a presidential ticket from the Ruling Party is at stake. That said, internal conflict is not good for PDIP ahead of the 2024 simultaneous presidential, legislative, and regional elections.
Andika Perkasa’s Future (2)
The State Secretary Minister Pratikno, who is known as one of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s trusted aides, met with the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Andika Perkasa at the Army headquarters on Monday (Oct. 11). The meeting spiced up the speculation surrounding the succession of the military commandership (Panglima TNI). Some see it as another signal that Andika will become Hadi Tjahjanto’s successor. But in light of the upcoming cabinet reshuffle, Andika could get another strategic position in the cabinet instead.