PAN vs Amien’s New Political Party
It didn’t take long for politicians from the National Mandate Party (PAN) to get involved in a public spat with the Ummat Party, a new political party established by former PAN founder Amien Rais. Politicians from both sides began criticizing each other only a day after Amien launched his new political party. Many believe that the tension between the two warring parties will continue to increase.
Ganjar Leads the Poll (3)
Polling agency New Indonesia Research & Consulting released the result of its electability survey over the weekend. The Agency found the Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo, who is also a politician from the ruling party PDIP, leading the poll. In stark contrast, the electability of Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan shows a decline.
Jokowi, Prabowo & Military Procurement
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited East Java on Thursday (April 29). He met with the families of the late crew members of the Nanggala-402 submarine. A day before, Jokowi held a closed limited cabinet meeting with the Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto on the modernization of the country’s primary weapons system (Alutsista).
Amien’s New Political Party (7)
Amien Rais, who has separated from the National Mandate Party (PAN), finally launched his new political party, the Ummat Party, on Thursday (April 29). His son-in-law Ridho Rahmadi serves as party chairman. Looking at the lineup of the Ummah Party, many doubt that it would be able to enter the legislative election in 2024.
Military Job Rotation & Security Issues
The Commander of the Indonesian Military (Panglima TNI) Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto instituted a major job rotation affecting 151 high-ranking officers from the three military branches. The changes follow the sinking of Nanggala-402 submarine and the death of Papua’s intelligence chief in a gun fight against an armed militia (KKB) in the province.
Ending the Speculations
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ended the speculations over a broad cabinet reshuffle. He only made one change to his cabinet and with that some believe that the train has passed for the National Mandate Party (PAN) to return into the ruling coalition. How about the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Andika Perkasa? Does he still have a chance at becoming military commander?
Taming the Hardliners
On Tuesday (April 27), the National Police (Polri)’s Counter-Terrorism Special Detachment Unit 88 (Densus 88) arrested Munarman, the former secretary general of the disbanded hardline muslim group FPI. The disbanded FPI is led by Rizieq Shihab, who is now facing trials at the District Court (PN) of Central Jakarta.
Limited Cabinet Reshuffle
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will reportedly swear in Laksana Tri Handoko as the new Head of the National Research & Innovation Body (BRIN) to replace Bambang Brodjonegoro today (April 28). The President will also re-appoint Nadiem Makarim as Minister of Education, Culture, Research & Technology and Bahlil Lahadalia as Minister of Investment. With Nadiem and Bahlil remaining at their respective positions, Jokowi will thus only make one change to his cabinet.
Cabinet Reshuffle: May 12?
The ruling party PDIP confirms our speculation that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is waiting for the right day to announce another round of cabinet reshuffle. One of the assumed dates for the announcement is May 12, which is still two weeks away. The biggest question is whether the reshuffle is necessary if it would only be a way to accommodate or entertain political allies.
Amien’s New Political Party (6)
Amien Rais, who has separated from the National Mandate Party (PAN), is set to officially launch his new political party, the Ummah Party, this week on April 29. Some figures will reportedly join Amien’s political party. One of them is Amien’s son-in-law Ridho Rahmadi, who is considered one of the party’s chairman candidates.