Terawan & Cabinet Reshuffle (2)
The Minister of Health Lt. Gen. (ret) dr. Terawan Agus Putranto is still on the hot seat. Recently, seven medical organizations criticized the Minister for lack of transparency. Will the growing discontent cost Terawan his job?
A Sign from Jokowi?
On Sunday (Aug. 23), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo virtually attended the 22th anniversary event of the National Mandate Party (PAN). The President, in his speech, shared his belief in the spirit of PAN, which he said is in line with the spirit of the Government to continue with reforms. Some say it is a sign from Jokowi that he’s open to PAN rejoining the ruling coalition.
The Race to Find COVID-19 Vaccine (3)
Another state pharmaceutical firm Kimia Farma (KAEF) is joining the race to find a vaccine for COVID-19. Kimia Farma signed cooperation with G42 Healthcare Holdings Rsc Ltd, a company from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to develop a vaccine. The signing of cooperation between Kimia Farma and the said UAE company was witnessed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi and the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir.
The Race to Find COVID-19 Vaccine (2)
Indonesia is working even more closely with China in developing a vaccine for COVID-19. The state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma has signed an agreement with China’s pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi and the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir witnessed the signing in their visit to Sanya, Hainan, China on Thursday (Aug. 20). It is a bold move from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo administration, but the President should be mindful of the geopolitical and domestic issues that he may be facing later.
The Military Commander & Cabinet Reshuffle (2)
Rumors about a cabinet reshuffle are still making its way around. The succession of the Indonesian Military (TNI) commander is the subject of discussion. Some say it might happen prior to the reshuffle. The Military Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto still has one year left before his mandatory retirement age comes in November 2021, but he has been widely mentioned in the rumors.
The Brokenhearted Coalition
On Tuesday (Aug. 18), several high-profile figures declared the foundation of the Coalition to Save Indonesia (KAMI) at the Tugu Proklamasi (Proclamation Monument) in Menteng, Central Jakarta. They were once supporters of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. Also present in the spectacle were those associated with hardline groups, who were once supporters of Prabowo Subianto.
Bobby & the Medan City Election (2)
The Golkar Party has officially endorsed the son-in-law of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, to run for mayor in the city election of Medan, North Sumatera. Golkar’s endorsement followed PDIP’s nomination of Bobby. The acting Mayor of Medan, Akhyar Nasution, is still in medical treatment for COVID-19. Some doubt his ability to enter the election.
West Sumatera Election & National Interest (3)
The Golkar Party has formed a new axis with PKB and Nasdem to endorse a pair of governor and vice governor candidates in the 2020 West Sumatera gubernatorial election. The problem is this axis has not yet agreed on who will get the nomination.
The Race to Find COVID-19 Vaccine (1)
The world is racing to find a vaccine for COVID-19. In Indonesia, three groups are working toward that goal. PT Bio Farma is cooperating with China’s pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech. Bio Farma is also working together with the Ministry of Research & Technology, the Agency for the Assessment and Application Technology (BPPT), the Indonesian Science Institute (LIPI), the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, and several universities to develop a flag vaccine (vaksin Merah Putih). The Indonesian Army (TNI AD), meanwhile, is working with the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the National Police (POLRI), and the University of Airlangga to develop a medicine for COVID-19.
Amien on the Move (2)
Amien Rais continues to harshly criticize President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. He even urged the President to resign. Amien is well known for being one of Jokowi’s biggest critics. Still, his criticism is worth highlighting given that his political party PAN is getting closer to rejoining the ruling coalition.