A Jokowi-Prabowo Alliance?
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Prabowo Subianto met at the State Palace last Friday (Oct. 11). It’s their second meeting after the 2019 presidential race. The meeting strengthened the speculation that Prabowo’s party Gerindra, which is actually the largest opposition party, would join Jokowi’s ruling coalition. There are more reasons to believe that Gerindra has more chances to join the cabinet than the Democratic Party.
The Opposition’s Future
The possible inclusion of Prabowo Subianto’s Gerindra Party into the ruling coalition has left a big question on the future of the opposition. Some are worried that there wouldn’t be a check-and-balance system with a weak position in the Parliament. But for political parties in the opposition group, including Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s (SBY) Democratic Party, today’s political configuration is actually a blessing in disguise. It may present them with opportunities ahead of the general election in 2024.
Jokowi-SBY Meeting
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo met with his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), who is now the chairman of the Democratic Party, at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (Oct. 10). The President confirmed to the press that he had talked about the possible inclusion of the Democratic Party into the new cabinet. SBY, however, didn’t give any comment. He left the State Palace immediately after the meeting.
Security Concern on Presidential Inauguration
The Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law & Security Affairs General (ret) Wiranto was stabbed on Thursday (Oct. 10) at the Alun-alun Menes in Pandeglang, Banten. The Police has arrested two perpetrators who have been identified as members of the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), a terrorist group affiliated to the Islamic State ISIS. The JAD is responsible for recent terror attacks in the country. With the presidential inauguration is on the horizon, the incident is likely to push the security forces toward adopting aggressive security measures.
Jokowi’s Son & Politics
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka seems ready to run in Surakarta’s 2020 mayoral election, despite his father reportedly suggesting him not to. Why is Gibran suddenly tempted to enter into politics?
Amending the Constitution: Opening A Pandora’s Box?
The People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) is in talks to discuss the launch of the fifth amendment of the 1945 Constitution. This is the third attempt to do so in the three recent periods of MPR. Back in 2009-2014, the driving force was Prabowo Subianto’s Red-and-White opposition. Today, the driving force is the ruling party PDIP. Why are political parties so eager to amend the Constitution? Is it necessary?
New Cabinet Talks
Looks like that ministry of agriculture, which was controlled by Islamic party PKS for 10 years (2004-2014), is hottest spot targeted by various political parties. After five years under the leadership of ‘professional’, the ministry might be returned to politicians. At least three political parties are targeting the post, all with 2024 election in minds.
An aborted coup
Abdul Basith, considered mastermind of the so-called Mujahid 212—-an anti-government rally by Muslim hardliners, told media that retired major general Soenarko (former commander of Army’s elite force Kopassus), supporter of Prabowo-Sandiaga in presidential election, was the one asking for blasting of high impact explosives in seven spots in Jakarta.
Gerindra & New Cabinet Rumor
The Secretary General of the Gerindra Party Ahmad Muzani confirmed the news that there were talks between his party and the State Palace about the possibility of Gerindra joining the new cabinet. Apart from Muzani’s statement, rumors have spread that Gerindra would get two strategic portfolios.
Jokowi & the Revised KPK Law
Students and civil society groups continue to urge President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to issue a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) to cancel and replace the revision of the Law on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). They even said that the students would stage a bigger rally should the President hesitate from issuing the said Perppu. So, what will Jokowi do?