Ganjar’s COVID-19 Mitigation Approach
Though more than 39 million people live in Central Java, it is the only major province that has not implemented large-scale social restrictions (PSBB). According to Governor Ganjar Pranowo, he and his ranks had chosen educating the Central Java public on how to follow health protocols and curb the spread of COVID-19. That said, the death toll in the province is lower compared to the other major provinces in Java that have already implemented the PSBB.
General Andika & His Disciplinary Actions
The Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Andika Perkasa is fully committed in defending President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration and enforcing discipline in the Army. Recently, the General slapped a disciplinary action on an Army officer because the latter’s wife had wished for the downfall of Jokowi’s regime.
The New KSAL & KSAU: What’s Next?
Today, May 20, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is expected to take the oath of Vice Admiral Yudo Margono as the new Navy chief of staff (KSAL), and Vice Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo as the new Air Force chief of staff (KSAU). With the promotion, both generals would get their four-star rank.
Those by Jokowi’s Side (6)
It’s just a matter of time before the Government reopens the economy given President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s latest statement. Interestingly, Siti Fadilah Supari, who is a former minister of health under Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) administration and now a graft convict, supports the President’s intention. Siti Fadilah handled the mitigation of the bird flu pandemic during SBY’s term.
Those Against Jokowi (6)
The Democratic Party, a political party led by Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) and his father Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), continues to criticize President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s COVID-19 mitigation. Its politicians, moreover, asked the President to learn from his predecessor SBY, who they say succeeded in handling the bird flu outbreak and managing the aftermath of the Aceh tsunami.
The New Normal
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo confirmed the Government’s intention to gradually return to normal life, even though the COVID-19 pandemic has not ended. The President reminded the people of the importance of discipline in following health protocols and maintaining social distance when adapting to a new normal.
AHY’s Inner Circle
We are familiar with the inner circle of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), who is the supreme leader of the Democratic Party. But we haven’t really covered the inner circle of his eldest son Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), who is now the Chairman of the Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY).
AHY & His Criticism
The Chairman of the Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), who is also the eldest son of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), criticized President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s decision to raise the premiums of the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan). This is the first time that AHY has directly criticized the President, but is he ready to be criticized in return? Is he ready to take the heat of national politics?
Prabowo & His Chinese Connection
The Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto, who is also the chairman of the Gerindra Party, again received COVID-19 pandemic aid in the form of medical equipment from China. Prabowo also talked to China’s Minister of Defense Wei Fenghe over the phone.
Sandiaga & His COVID-19 Volunteer Group (2)
Sandiaga Uno has shown his flexibility in politics. He has set himself apart from Anies Baswedan, who often adopts a conflicting position against President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. Sandi chose to get closer to the President and his supporters through the so-called Relawan Indonesia Bersatu Lawan COVID-19, a volunteer group established to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Sandi’s move, however, disappointed some of his supporters back in the 2019 presidential race.