Jokowi’s Latest Statements
On Monday (Nov. 16), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo addressed several issues, i.e., cabinet reshuffle, the new Omnibus Law on Job Creation (Cipta Kerja), and the importance of imposing discipline to follow health protocols and enforcing the laws & regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last but not least, Jokowi also addressed the issue related to his eldest son in the 2020 Surakarta City election.
Police Job Rotation & Security Concern
As a consequence for letting crowds form during Rizieq Shihab’s events and for the failure of imposing discipline, the Chief of the National Police (Kapolri) General Idham Azis replaced the Chief of the Metro Jaya Police Insp. Gen. Nana Sudjana with Insp. Gen. Muhammad Fadil Imran. The latest police job rotation instituted by General Idham also affected 20 other high-ranking police officers. The rotation may also affect the race to become the next Police Chief with Nana Sudjana basically out of the picture and Fadil Imran coming to surface as the new potential candidate.
Kalla’s Latest Move
Former Vice President (VP) Jusuf Kalla recently talked about the conflict in Papua. Kalla, who is also a former chairman of the Golkar Party, stated that he’s ready should the Government ask for his help in mediating for peace in Papua. Kalla said that dialogue would be the best way of ending the conflict in Papua. On that note, he stressed the development of Papuan human resources as a key part of the effort.
Those Who Support and Those Who Are Against Rizieq
The recent event organized by Rizieq Shihab’s FPI and the wedding ceremony of Rizieq’s daughter in Petamburan, Central Jakarta over the weekend have been criticized because the events drew crowds and violated health protocols. And yet, in an odd move, the COVID-19 Mitigation Task Force appeared to facilitate Rizieq’s daughter’s wedding ceremony by sending around 20,000 masks and hand sanitizers.
Military Commander’s Warning
The Commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto sent a message on the importance of maintaining the country’s unity for the sake of national stability. Commander Hadi said that whoever should dare to threaten and disrupt the Country’s unity would face the TNI. The message became a trending topic on social media, and many believed that the message was related to the speech of Rizieq Shihab, the supreme leader of the hardline Muslim group FPI.
Nasdem’s Presidential Convention
The Nasdem Party, a political party led by media mogul Surya Paloh, celebrated its 9th anniversary in a virtual event held on Wednesday (Nov. 11). President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was present in the said event. The most interesting news from the said event is the Party’s plan to hold a convention aimed at finding its presidential candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
Honorary Medal & Politics
The Chief of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) General (ret) Moeldoko addressed some rumors related to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s decision to bestow honorary medals to several high-profile figures. Moeldoko, who is a former Commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI), stated that the honorary medals are not related to cabinet reshuffle rumors.
Rizieq’s Return & Security Implications
The fact that the supreme leader of the hardline Muslim group Rizieq Shihab is still able to attract and mobilize thousands of supporters may affect security and political stability in light of Jakarta’s 2022 gubernatorial election and the 2024 presidential race. The succession of the National Police Chief (Kapolri) and the Military Commander (Panglima TNI) may thus be influenced by the said development.
Rizieq’s Supporters: Yayasan Padi Indonesia Jaya
The supreme leader of the hardline Muslim group Rizieq Shihab is still a magnet that can attract and mobilize thousands of supporters. We saw evidence of that on Tuesday (Nov. 10) when Rizieq arrived at the Terminal 3 of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Thousands of supporters welcomed his return, paralyzing the airport. Perhaps, this is why Rizieq’s return is important for some parties, including the Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan.
Megawati’s Criticism
The fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also the chairperson of the ruling party PDIP, criticized the situation in the capital city of Jakarta. Mega said that the capital city was in a disorganized state (she used the Indonesian word amburadul). It’s an indirect criticism of the leadership of Governor Anies Baswedan.