NU’s Chairmanship Race
The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, will hold its Muktamar (chairmanship congress) in Lampung on Dec. 23-25, 2021. The Chairman of the PBNU Said Aqil Siradj is seeking a third term in the said congress, but many in NU want Said Aqil to pave way to the younger generation instead.
Prabowo’s 2024 Bid
The Secretary General of Gerindra Party Ahmad Muzani has again stated that his party chairman Prabowo Subianto will likely run in the 2024 presidential race. Ahmad Muzani, who is also the deputy speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), made the said statement in a regional meeting of Gerindra Party’s South Sulawesi provincial chapter on Sunday (Oct. 10).
Jokowi Meets with Kalla
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo met with former Vice President (VP) Jusuf Kalla over the weekend while visiting Yogyakarta. The President is reportedly going to meet with the former Golkar chairman again.
Nasdem’s Presidential Convention (2)
The Nasdem Party, a political party led by media mogul Surya Paloh, is looking to have popular governors and other potential figures participating in its presidential convention next year. Through the said convention, Nasdem is looking for its presidential candidate for the 2024 race. But other parties had explored the same convention format before, and it didn’t end well.
Survey: Ganjar Rising, Puan Still Insignificant
A new survey from the Saiful Mujani Research & Consulting (SMRC) found the electability of Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo continuing to rise and match Prabowo Subianto’s. In a stark contrast to Ganjar, SMRC found the electability of the House Speaker Puan Maharani remaining insignificant. Ganjar and Puan are competing to secure a ticket from the ruling party PDIP to run in the 2024 presidential race.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Possibilities
It’s just a matter of time before President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo announces another round of cabinet reshuffle. For the last two months, we’ve reported almost all rumors regarding possible changes that the President could make into his cabinet. Today, we will do a recap and try to find a bigger picture.
Through the Grapevine: Military Commander Succession
On Oct. 4, 2021, we were invited by KontraS and the Director of Lokataru, Haris Azhar, to tune in on a presentation regarding the Wabu Block gold mine in Intan Jaya Papua. After Haris claimed that the Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan had played a role in the gold mine project, the latter reported the former to the police. At the event, we had the opportunity to speak with two Indonesian Party of Struggle (PDIP) politicians, who refused to be named, on the Indonesian military (TNI) commander succession process. As the incumbent Commander of the TNI Hadi Tjahjanto will retire in November 2021, the President is expected to propose a nominee for the succession at the latest in early November.
Jokowi’s Vision of Military Defense System
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo gave a speech at the celebration of the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) 76th anniversary held at the State Palace Jakarta on Monday (Oct. 5). The President delivered his vision for transforming the country’s military defense system. Some see it as a hint as to who the President will nominate as Commander Hadi Tjahjanto’s successor.
The Rebirth of the Labor Party
Said Iqbal, the chairman of the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Union (KSPI), has been elected as the new chairman of Partai Buruh (Labor Party). The Party was reestablished on Monday (Oct. 5). Can it participate and get significant votes in the 2024 elections? One wonders who are the financier(s) of the Party and who will the Party endorse in the 2024 race.
Andika Perkasa’s Future?
The Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Andika Perkasa attended the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) 76th anniversary held at the State Palace Jakarta this morning (Oct. 5). But a day earlier, Andika did not accompany the Military Commander (Panglima TNI) Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto when the latter visited the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery (TMP) in South Jakarta as part of the commemoration of the TNI’s anniversary. One wonders why.