Police Chief Nominee: The Dark Horse
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s decision to maintain Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto as the commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI) hints at who the President could nominate as the National Police Chief (Kapolri). The next Police Chief has to work together with Commander Hadi after all.
An Update on the Police Chief Race
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is expected to name the National Police Chief (Kapolri) nominee soon as the incumbent Chief General Idham Azis has to retire on Jan. 30, 2021. The speculation is that the President would nominate someone from the pool of three-star police generals.
The New Vice Minister of Defense: Muhammad Herindra
The Indonesian Military (TNI) losses its two representatives in the cabinet following President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s decision to replace General (ret) Fachrul Razi and Lt. Gen. (ret) dr. Terawan Agus Putranto. But in exchange, the TNI got another strategic portfolio with Jokowi’s decision to appoint Lt. Gen. Muhammad Herindra as the new Vice Minister of Defense. Herindra, a former commander (Danjen) of the Army’s Special Forces Kopasssus, replaces Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, who has been appointed as the new Minister of Marine & Fisheries. He will assist Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, who is also former commander of Kopassus.
The New Minister of Health: Budi Gunadi Sadikin
Unorthodox! President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has appointed Budi Gunadi Sadikin as the new Minister of Health Affairs replacing the controversial Lt. Gen. (ret) dr. Terawan Agus Putranto. Budi, former CEO of state bank Mandiri (BMRI), previously served as Vice Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
The New Minister of Trade: Muhammad Lutfi
Muhammad Lutfi is the new Minister of Trade, replacing Agus Suparmanto, a politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB). Prior to that, Lutfi served as the Indonesian Ambassador for the United States of America (USA). Lutfi is not a new face in Indonesian business and politics.
The New Minister of Religious Affairs: Yaqut Cholil Qoumas
PKB, an Islamic party that strongly affiliated to the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), lost the Trade Ministry portfolio to Muhammad Lutfi, a professional with extensive networking to Indonesian business and politics. But in exchange, PKB got another strategic portfolio with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s decision to appoint Yaqut Cholil Qoumas a.k.a Gus Yaqut as the new Minister of Religious Affairs replacing General (ret) Fachrul Razi. Yaqut is the chairman of GP Ansor, a youth wing organization of NU, the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia.
The New Minister of Tourism & Creative Economy: Sandiaga Uno
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has appointed Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, who is a key leader of Gerindra Party and Prabowo Subianto’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, as the new Minister of Tourism & Creative Economy. Sandi replaced Wishnutama, former executive of NET TV (Indika Group). If any, this ministerial position can help Sandi to remain relevant ahead of 2024 elections.
New Cabinet Lineup (2)
More names have been appointed by President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo as vice ministers and head of strategic agencies directly reporting to the President, including the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG).
The New Minister of Marine & Fisheries: Sakti Wahyu Trenggono
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has been appointed by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as the new Minister of Marine & Fisheries. He’s replacing Edhy Prabowo, a key leader of Gerindra Party and Prabowo Subianto’s trusted aide that arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in corruption case. Prior to that, Sakti assisted Prabowo as Vice Minister of Defense.
The New Minister of Social Affairs: Tri Rismaharini
The popular Mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini is now the new Minister of Social Affairs. Risma, a politician from the ruling party PDIP, replaces her fellow party cadre Juliari Batubara—-arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in corruption case. Like Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, also known close to PDIP, Risma has the first duty to bring back the Social Affairs Ministry on the right track.