Gita Wirjawan, Ambassador to USA?
Gita Wirjawan, former minister of trade, has reportedly been picked by President Prabowo Subianto as Indonesian Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), a position left vacant for quite sometime.
Update on PSI leadership race
The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), a political party associated to then president Jokowi but failed in the last two legislative election, is entering a critical phase in its organizational history. Its internal election to choose the next Chairman for the 2025–2030 term is a pivotal moment to prove PSI’s commitment to internal democracy and to address public scrutiny over potential political dynasties.
The Turmoil in Amien Rais’ Partai Ummat
Partai Ummat was born out of Amien Rais’ disappointment with PAN (National Mandate Party), which he claimed had strayed from the ideals of Islamic political reform. Ironically, his new political home has now been rocked by internal turmoil — centered on Amien himself and a Syura Council policy that has grown increasingly authoritarian.
Budi Arie & The Online Gambling Case
The South Jakarta District Court continues to hold separate trials to examine witnesses in the online gambling case implicating former staffs of the Ministry of Communication and Information (now the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs). Recently, Teguh Arifiyadi and Denden Imadudin Soleh both testified about the involvement of Budi Arie Setiadi, adding to the suspicion that the former Minister of Communication and Information was–at the very least–aware of the illegal activities in the ministry.
Who Will Be the Next Deputy Chief of the National Police?
National Police (Polri) is once again entering a crucial phase of transition as the current Deputy Chief, Commissioner General Ahmad Dofiri, is scheduled to retire this month. Whoever is chosen will play a key role in safeguarding the stability of the institution, translating the Police Chief’s vision into daily operations, and, probably dynamics of relationship between President Prabowo and his predecessor Jokowi.
The Future of Indonesian Military
The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) plans to recruit 24,000 privates as part of the formation of a special battalion dedicated for non-war military operations, including food security and health services. It sparked a debate among the public because increased military involvement in civil affairs may not lead to the dual function many people fear, but rather loss of function altogether, which does not look good either way.
Erick Thohir’s future
Tempo magazine published a cover story about Erick Thohir, minister of state-owned enterprises, in this week’s edition. The magazine basically concluded that Erick is now toothless after most of his powers have been taken over by the newly established sovereign wealth fund Danantara. While he tried to preserve some of the powers through amendment of the SOEs law, in reality he has limited say on state companies.
Prabowo and His Narratives
Prabowo Subianto has once again come out with his tired narratives about some foreign interests trying to pit Indonesians against each other by funding local NGOs. Usman Hamid, director of Amnesty International Indonesia, remarked that the president’s way of thinking is a reflection of an authoritarian who tends to reject criticism. Indonesia’s biggest enemy is not foreign interests, Usman added, but rather its own corrupt leaders that run the country.
Al Muzzammil Yusuf
Al Muzzammil Yusuf has been elected new president of Islamic party PKS for 2025-2030 to replace Ahmad Syaikhu, who was defeated in West Java gubernatorial race by Dedi Mulyadi, cadre from President Prabowo’s Gerindra Party.
More on Free Education
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has recently held an initial meeting with the Ministry of Finance to discuss the implementation of the revised free education policy. Minister Abdul Mu’ti stated that they will comply with the Constitutional Court’s ruling, and therefore emphasized the need for a mid-year budget review of the APBN. PDIP politician F. X. Hadi Rudyatmo, meanwhile, suggested the government divert the budget from the free meals program to the free school program.