On Sunday (July 18), Vice President (VP) Ma’ruf Amin held a meeting with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and major Islamic organizations. In the said meeting, the VP relayed the Government’s decision to ban the Festival of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) services in mosques. The attendees agreed that Eid prayers on July 20 should be held at home to curb the outbreak of COVID-19.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) under the Military Commander (Panglima TNI) Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto continues to go all out in helping President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the TNI’s contribution and how President Jokowi relies on them a lot, it’s worth monitoring the generals known for being close to the President. The following generals could emerge from the upcoming succession.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will soon summon the Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan for questioning related to allegations of corruption in the purchase of land in Munjul, Pondok Ranggon, Cipayung, East Jakarta. The said land acquisition is reportedly related to the Zero Rupiah Down-Payment housing program. Said Program is the flagship program of Governor Anies. Anies is also under the KPK’s scrutiny over the distribution of the social assistance program (locally known as Bansos) for the COVID-19 mitigation in the capital city.

Tension rises between the Democratic Party led by Major (ret) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) and the other Democratic Party led by General (ret) Moeldoko ahead of the trial at the Administrative Court (PTUN) of Jakarta. Moeldoko’s Democratic Party is asking the Court to cancel the Law & Human Rights Ministry’s decision that recognizes AHY’s leadership in favor of legalizing Moeldoko’s leadership.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) reminds the Government of its duty to protect the welfare of the people. So, the MUI asks the Government to continue reminding the public of the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic. The MUI, interestingly, asked the Government to provide a social assistance incentive for the ulemas affected by the pandemic. That said, readers of national media outlets also reminded the MUI of its responsibility to keep the ulemas aligned with the objective of ensuring the people follow health protocols.

Some graduates of the Military Academy (Akmil)’s Class of 1992 (those who entered the academy that year) are worth highlighting. At least three generals from Class 1992 currently occupy strategic positions under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. 

The Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police (POLRI) have gone all out in helping President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the TNI/POLRI’s contribution, one can understand why it is very important for President Jokowi to have his loyalists leading the TNI/POLRI. But with Commander Hadi Tjahjanto soon to retire, the biggest question is who will Jokowi choose as the next Military Commander.

The Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto recently gave a keynote speech in a virtual discussion hosted by the Padjadjaran University’s School of Management on Friday (July 9). Prabowo, who is also the chairman of Gerindra Party, delivered some important points related to his plan to purchase the primary weapons system (alutsista) in the said event.

Those seeking to topple President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo could use the alarming COVID-19 situation in Indonesia as an opportunity. It’s unfortunate, but it is a possibility. The question now is whether or not Jokowi’s ruling coalition is unified enough to back the President up.