The Race to Control Golkar (12)
The tension between the supporters of Bambang Soesatyo a.k.a Bamsoet and Airlangga Hartarto continues to increase ahead of the Golkar Party’s chairmanship congress (Munas) on December 3, 2019. Bamsoet’s supporters accused the committee tasked with organizing the Party’s congress of taking sides because it is controlled by Airlangga’s supporters. Bamsoet’s supporters said that they could hold a congress of their own.
Ma’ruf Amin’s Special Staffers
Vice President (VP) Ma’ruf Amin has appointed eight special staffers to assist his work. But unlike President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo who prefers young figures, Ma’ruf chose senior figures to be his special staffers.
New leaders at SOEs
Controversial figure Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP/Ahok) is still man of the hour, at least if you count on social media talks or top hit news in the online media platform. Despite criticism and opposition from some, Ahok has on Monday (Nov 25) been officially appointed chairman of Pertamina to replace Tanri Abeng.
The Race to Control Golkar (11)
Bambang Soesatyo a.k.a Bamsoet, who is now the speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), has declared his bid for the chairmanship of the Golkar Party. Bamsoet will challenge the current Golkar Chairman Airlangga Hartarto, who is seeking reelection in the Party’s upcoming chairmanship congress (Munas) on December 3, 2019.
People on the Move
Former Governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP) a.k.a Ahok, who is now a PDIP politician, has been made the new president commissioner of state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina (Persero). That said, a debate on whether Ahok should resign from PDIP still rages. Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir informed the press of the appointment of Ahok as president commissioner of PT Pertamina. Erick explained that Pertamina has been tasked with reducing oil and gas import, and that’s why he needed a figure known for making breakthroughs like Ahok. Erick, however, said that Ahok should resign from PDIP. The Secretary General of PDIP Hasto Kristiyanto begs to differ.
Ma’ruf Amin’s Role (2)
Vice President (VP) Ma’ruf Amin recently welcomed the visit of former Japan Prime Minister (PM) Yasuo Fukuda. The PM brought with him 26 businessmen from Japan. They discussed the progress of infrastructure development in Indonesia and Japan’s interest in contributing in the said development.
Jokowi’s 13 Special Staffers
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo announced the appointment of 13 special staffers. Seven of them are young figures. Among them is the daughter of CT Corp Boss Chairul Tanjung. Some praised the President for appointing young figures as special staffers, while others believe that 13 staffers are too many.
The Race to Control Golkar (10)
Two weeks ahead of the Golkar Party’s chairmanship congress (Munas) scheduled to be held on Dec. 3, 2019, the tension between the party chairman Airlangga Hartarto and his strongest potential contender Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) has risen. Bamsoet recently received the endorsement of three mass organizations affiliated to Golkar in his bid to challenge Airlangga in the congress. Bamsoet’s supporters accused Airlangga of breaking the agreement that both men had previously reached.
Ahok & the Other SOEs Boss Candidates
News that the former Governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP) a.k.a Ahok will lead the state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina (Persero) is still a hot issue. Ahok, however, isn’t the only new name being considered to lead state-owned companies (SOEs).
Ma’ruf Amin’s Role
Last week, the national media captured the moment when President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo almost forgot to mention Vice President (VP) Ma’ruf Amin in his speech. Some see this as another proof that Ma’ruf is a non-factor in Jokowi’s second term. Others wonder what kind of role the VP has, no matter how small it would be. A day after Jokowi’s near miss, Ma’ruf led a meeting attended by several cabinet members to discuss the Government’s terrorism and radicalism eradication agenda. It appears to be a clear indication of the VP’s role.