Regional Elections to Watch: Sidoarjo
The regency of Sidoarjo in the province of East Java will participate in the simultaneous regional elections this year. The regent election is noteworthy after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested the Regent of Sidoarjo Saiful Illah and a number of people in its first sting operation yesterday.
Jakarta Vice Governorship Race
The city legislative council (DPRD) of Jakarta is expected to hold the election of a new vice governor this month. The nominee from the opposition Party PKS will compete with the nominee of their former ally Gerindra Party.
Finding Anies’ Successor (1)
Many are disappointed with Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan for failing to address Jakarta’s vulnerability to floods. Some are even determined not to re-elect him in 2022. But to those who desire such an outcome, the question would be, who would they rather have to replace Anies? Who is a better alternative? Is there a better alternative?
Regional Elections to Watch: Central Kalimantan
Central Kalimantan province is home to PDIP supporters. The province is also the home to Adaro Energy’s billion-dollar coking coal. The incumbent Governor of Central Kalimantan Sugianto Sabran is seeking a second term.
Natuna Stand-Off & National Politics
The latest stand-off between Indonesian authorities and Chinese fishermen and Cost Guard in the Natuna Sea is affecting the dynamics of Indonesia’s national politics. The opposition Party PKS criticized their former political ally Prabowo Subianto, who is now the Minister of Defense. They accused Prabowo of being too soft against China.
Anies & Floods
We’ve warned the Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan of the potential of massive floods. Developing new infrastructure and maintaining existing ones to anticipate such a disaster should’ve been his priority. Instead, the Governor focused on renovating sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and his official residence. Little did he know, a downpour that lasted from the eve of the new year to the new year day would paralyze the capital city for nearly 48 hours.
Interesting Regional Elections to Watch: Riau Islands
The gubernatorial election in the Riau Islands is coming. The province is mostly known for Batam and Bintan, the center of the country’s electronics. The province is also home to the country’s shipyards, offshore support services, and ICT industry. So the Province’s governor race is noteworthy. In the past three years, three different figures from three different political parties have occupied the position. The most recent is PDIP politician Isdianto, who serves as the acting governor.
2020 Political Outlook (8)
The friction inside/between political parties in President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s coalition could still greatly influence the dynamics of national political stability. It’s an issue that the President must carefully handle.
2020 Political Outlook (6): Key Appointments
Jokowi, as we’ve reported before, issued Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 83/2019 on Dec. 18, 2019 to institute a new position in the KSP. The said Perpres regulates that the Chief of the KSP Military Commander General (ret) Moeldoko will be assisted by a vice chief. The said Perpres also lists the position of five deputies and five special staffers to assist the KSP chief.
2020 Political Outlook (6): Key Appointments in TNI
The new formation of the top three positions in the National Police (POLRI) is complete. There’s a new Police chief (Kapolri), a new Police vice chief (Wakapolri), and a new Police chief of criminal investigation (Kabareskrim). But it’s clear that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo will not stop there. He is expected to make other key appointments.