The State Palace’s Warning
The Chief of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) General (ret) Moeldoko responded to the recent maneuvers of the so-called Coalition to Save Indonesia (KAMI), an opposition group led by the former Military (TNI) Commander General (ret) Gatot Nurmantyo and former Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah Din Syamsuddin. Moeldoko, who is also a former military commander, strongly warned the group against creating political instability.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Do or Don’t (2)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo issued two new presidential regulations (Perpres) that serve as legal bases to appoint two new vice ministers for the Manpower Ministry and the Cooperative & Small-Medium Enterprises (KUKM), respectively. The President wants to see the performance of the two ministries improved, especially in relation to the mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Makassar Election: Early Prediction
The 2020 Makassar election is interesting for the big names in Indonesian business and politics competing in the race. We will definitely see a fierce competition because the four pairs of candidates are equally strong. But which of the pair has a better chance at winning?
Gibran & 2024 Speculation
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, addressed the speculation that he could later follow his father’s footsteps by running for a governorship and then the presidency. Gibran, who is running for mayor in the Surakarta election, said that he’s only focused on winning the city election in his hometown Surakarta.
COVID-19 Situation Report: Oct. 1
Indonesia’s COVID-19 Mitigation Task Force reported 4,174 new cases as of Oct. 1. The addition brings the tally of active cases to 61,321. The good news is that, after more than a month of the third-phase clinical trial, the team at the University of Padjadjaran leading the trial in Indonesia has reported no significant side effects. Assuming all continues to go well, Indonesia may begin rolling out emergency vaccinations in early 2021.
Cabinet Reshuffle: Do or Don’t
It has been almost a year since President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s second-term cabinet was established on Oct. 23, 2019. Some have urged the President to replace the underperforming ministers, and the President himself once said that he was open to the option. In his first term, Jokowi made changes to his cabinet within the first year of service. But will Jokowi shake repeat that this year? The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all sectors in the country, some wonder whether it is fair to assess the performance of the ministers in such a scenario.
Amien’s New Political Party (4)
Amien Rais is scheduled to announce the name of his new political party today (Oct. 1). That said, the Party will not be formally declared until December 2020. Who will join Amien’s new party? Can it attract the members and the leaders of the National Mandate Party (PAN)? Does Amien have enough financial support to run a party?
Continued Opposition Against the Appointment of Former Tim Mawar Members
The appointment of the two former members of the infamous Tim Mawar (Rose Team) of the Army’s Special Forces Kopassus into high-ranking positions in the Ministry of Defense continues to draw criticism. The human rights watchdog group Kontras is considering to sue the Presidential Decree (Keppres) on the appointment of the said former Tim Mawar members.
The Police Chief Extension Rumor
The Chief of the National Police (Kapolri) General Idham Azis will end his term on Jan. 30, 2021. Some continue to wonder whether President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will choose the next police chief or extend Idham Azis’ term for at least another year. In this regard, the watchdog group said that there has been rumors that the President would extend Idham Azis’ term.
New Opposition, Old Issues (2)
The Governor of the respected National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) Lt. Gen. (ret) Agus Widjojo talked about communism issues in a virtual discussion held on Tuesday (Sep. 29). Agus said it was made to emerge deliberately for political purposes. The so-called Coalition to Save Indonesia (KAMI), an opposition group led by the former Military (TNI) Commander General (ret) Gatot Nurmantyo, has been actively rallying behind anti-communist campaign. The Group plans to hold a screening of the G30S/PKI movie today (Sep. 30).