Military Commander Succession: Where Are We Now?
Talks on Military (TNI) Commander succession and rumors of cabinet reshuffle continue to spread. The most recent rumor is that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo would appoint a new military commander should Commander Hadi Tjahjanto become a minister. Would it happen this year?
Will Jokowi Budge?
The one word that could be used to describe President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s rule is “eventful”. Even before the start of his Presidency, Jokowi had to face turmoil. His opponent did not easily yield despite the glaring electoral outcome. And ever since he became President, he’s had to confront many violent protests. And now, Jokowi is facing yet another set of challenges. But is it enough to unsettle his grip?
Prabowo’s Upcoming Visit to the US
The Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto is expected to visit the United States (US) on Oct. 15 to discuss the cooperation between two countries in the defense sector following the invitation of the US Defense Minister Mark Esper. For Prabowo, who is also the chairman of the Gerindra Party, the visit will be his first time in the last two decades since he was barred from entering the US due to allegations of violence against human rights. Given the said history, the visit will not only be important for Indonesia’s interest to strengthen and modernize its primary defense system (Alutsista), but also for Prabowo personally in relation to his 2024 bid.
Job Creation Omnibus Law: The Riots
The rallies and strikes protesting the new Omnibus Law on Job Creation (Cipta Kerja) were centered mostly in Java. It resulted in chaos due to the riots and clashes between the masses and the police on Thursday (Oct. 8). The protesters urged President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to issue a presidential regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) to cancel the Omnibus Law. The Government, meanwhile, said that it would chase after the people behind the riots. Will the rioting continue?
Jokowi, Terawan & Vaccination Plan
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has signed the Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 99/2020 on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and the implementation of vaccination program. The new Perpres appoints the Minister of Health as the commander of the vaccine procurement and vaccination program.
Job Creation Omnibus Law: Political Implications?
Workers unions and civil society groups continue to protest against the new Omnibus Law on Job Creation (Cipta Kerja). Some have staged rallies on the streets. The question is how serious is this movement? Will the opposition parties join forces with the movement?
Sandiaga’s Move
Sandiaga Uno’s move to join the campaign team of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka in the 2020 Surakarta city election and the campaign team of the President’s son-in-law Bobby Afif Nasution in the 2020 Medan city election raised questions. Some believe that Sandi is trying to get closer to the President. That said, Sandi’s political party Gerindra is part of a coalition that backs the President’s sons. So him joining the aforementioned campaign teams is nothing surprising.
The Attorney General & Cabinet Reshuffle
There’s a rumor that the Attorney General (AG) Sanitiar Burhanuddin would be changed. The rumor followed the allegation of the AG’s involvement in the case related to Djoko Soegiarto Tjandra (colloquially known as Joker) and the fire that ravaged the main building of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).
The PKS’ New Leadership
The opposition party PKS has its new leadership with the former Vice Mayor of Bekasi Ahmad Syaikhu elected as the Party’s 2020-2025 chairman, replacing Sohibul Iman. Syaikhu, who is now a lawmaker at the House of Representatives (DPR), isn’t a popular figure in...
The Job Creation Omnibus Law: the Battle Continues
The House of Representatives (DPR) passed the Omnibus Bill on Job Creation (Cipta Kerja) into a new law on Monday (Oct. 5). Nevertheless, the battle is not over. Workers unions are planning to stage a national strike to protest the said Omnibus Law.