Prabowo & Military Procurement (3)
The former Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Air Chief Marshal (ret) Agus Supriatna suggested Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto to purchase Sukhoi Su-35 jets from Russia rather than France’s Dassault Rafale jets. Prabowo was reportedly interested in purchasing 48 units of Dassault Rafale jets as part of his program to strengthen and modernize the country’s primary weapons system (Alutsista).
Anies: New Day, New Enemies
The Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan seems to have passed plenty of days in controversy, making new enemies along the way. Recently, opposition came from artists protesting the governor’s revitalization of the iconic Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) arts and cultural center. They brought the issue to the House of Representatives (DPR), after which the lawmakers promised to summon Anies for a hearing.
Leadership Change in the Military: Scenario?
Rumors have been making its way around about the possible dismissal of General (ret) Moeldoko from his position of chief of Staff (KSP). Word has it that he would be replaced by Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, who is now the military (TNI) commander. If true, Hadi’s appointment would speed up the succession of leadership in the military.
Testing Jokowi’s Commitment
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had said that he would not campaign for his sons or facilitate them in the regional elections. But recently, the President spent a weekend in his hometown Surakarta, visiting a shopping mall with his family, including his eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Jiwasraya-Asabri Scandal & The Big Boys
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) will examine Bank Mayapada International Tbk (MAYA), a private bank owned by businessman Dato Sri Tahir, as part of their investigation into a graft scandal in state insurance firm PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Persero). While the Chief of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) General (ret) Moeldoko, who is known close with Tahir, denied accusation about his involvement in the other related graft case in the Military/Police insurance firm PT Asabri (Persero). The lawyer of the said former military (TNI) commander stated that they would report whoever accused Moeldoko to the Police.
Anies & Five Years of Wasted Opportunity (3)
Not a single day without controversy for the Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan. The governor continues to draw criticism for his controversial programs and policies. Latest, Anies is criticized for lying about securing the approval from the city’s cultural heritage expert team (TACB) for hosting Formula E race in the National Monument (Monas) area. The ruling party PDIP at the city’s legislative council (DPRD) has even asked the State Secretary Ministry to cancel the race.
Jokowi on Political Dynasty Issue
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo responded to the political dynasty issue related to the mayoral bid of his eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka. In a special interview with BBC Indonesia, he denied the claim that he was seeking to establish a political dynasty. The President argued that a political dynasty would form should he specifically give a certain position to his family member, i.e., making his son a minister.
Jiwasraya Case & Democratic Party’s Suicidal Move
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s (SBY) Democratic Party together with PKS, continue to push the House of Representatives (DPR) towards establishing a special committee (Pansus) to investigate the corruption in state insurance firm PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Persero). The question is whether the Democratic Party is ready to slap their own face. Note that Jiwasraya has had issues since SBY’s presidential term.
The New Bakamla Chief Aan Kurnia
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo swore in Vice Admiral Aan Kurnia as the new chief of the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla). Vice Admiral Aan Kurnia replaces Vice Admiral Achmad Taufiqoerrochman, who has entered his mandatory retirement age. Some believe that Aan will become the next Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL).
The Debate on the Repatriation of Veteran Jihadists
The Government has decided not to repatriate Indonesian citizens who had gone to the Middle East and pledged allegiance to Jihadist groups, especially those who joined the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Taking security issues into account, one can understand the Government’s position. But human rights groups have come to challenge the decision.