SBY’s Silence & the Opposition’s Future
Many wonder why former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), who is also the chairman of Democratic Party, is silent. SBY’s social media accounts have not been active in the past few months. The Chairman of the opposition party PKS Sohibul Iman also wondered when he could meet with SBY to discuss the future of the opposition group.
Jokowi & the New Vice Military Commander
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo summoned the commanders from the three military branches to the State Palace Jakarta ahead of the appointment of the new vice commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI). The President, as we’ve reported before, has decided to reinstate the position of the vice military commander.
The Kabareskrim Selection Process & Islam Politics
The Chief of the National Police’s Internal Affairs Division (Propam POLRI) Insp. Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo has been busy trying to get the support of the ulemas of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia. Sigit met with the 3,000 ulemas of Islamic boarding schools in Banten who support him becoming the chief of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Division (Kabareskrim). Many believe that it’s Sigit’s response to the rejection of the Muhammadiyah, the second largest Muslim organization in the country, over his nomination.
The New AG in Action
The new Attorney General (AG) ST Burhanuddin is expected to take the oath of three junior prosecutors today (Nov. 18). There are six junior prosecutor positions in the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Three of which have remained vacant since M Prasetyo was the AG, for reasons unknown.
Tommy & the Opposition
Tomorrow (Nov. 19), the leaders of the opposition party PKS will meet with the Chairman of the Berkarya Party Hutomo Mandala Putra a.k.a Tommy Soeharto—the youngest son of the late President Soeharto. They will discuss their alliance in the opposition group ahead of the 2024 race, and next year’s simultaneous regional elections.
Overreaction
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo confirmed the news that the former Governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP) a.k.a Ahok is to lead a state-owned companies (SOEs). The President said Ahok could be either a commissioner or director of an SOE. The reaction of this plan has been excessive. Some are even trying to create a narrative against Ahok’s appointment.
The Race to Control Golkar (9)
The Golkar Party has decided to hold its four-day chairmanship congress (Munas) on Dec. 3, 2019. Golkar Chairman Airlangga Hartarto and his supporters seem to prefer avoiding an election by vote. Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), however, disagreed. He reminded his party colleagues that election by way of acclamation would only create conflict and thus divide the Party.
PAN’s New Chairmanship: Early Prediction
The upcoming chairmanship congress of the National Mandate Party (PAN) is one of the political events to watch next year. The Party, which is strongly affiliated to the second largest Muslim organization in Indonesia the Muhammadiyah, is expected to elect a new party chairman in the Congress in March 2020. Even though PAN is a small party, the position of its chairman is interesting enough to attract those seeking for a ticket to run in the 2024 presidential race.
Ahok for Pertamina?
Questions on the future of former Governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP) a.k.a Ahok has been answered. After his meeting with the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir on Wednesday (Nov. 13), Ahok revealed to journalists that had been asked to serve in one of the SOEs. Neither Ahok nor the Ministry spoke of specifics, but rumor has it that Ahok would lead PT Pertamina (Persero).
Vice Governorship Battle & the 2022 Jakarta Election
The inclusion of Prabowo Subianto and his Gerindra Party into President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s ruling coalition has changed the dynamics in the capital city, Jakarta. Gerindra and PKS are now in an open fight to secure the Jakarta vice governor position that Sandiaga Uno had left vacant.