The Next Spokesperson for Jokowi
The Presidential Spokesperson Johan Budi Sapto Prabowo, who is also a PDIP lawmaker candidate, secured enough votes from the East Java VII electoral region (dapil) to claim a seat in the House of Representatives (DPR). The question is who will replace Johan as the new spokesperson for President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo once the former is sworn in as DPR lawmaker?
Post-Election Disputes
The losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Sandiaga Uno are expected to submit a lawsuit at the Constitutional Court (MK) today (May 24) to challenge the result of the 2019 presidential election. Earlier, the MK had already received lawsuits from ten political parties competing in the 2019 legislative election.
Post-Election Riots, Gerindra & Hashim’s Company
More details have come to surface on those allegedly involved in the May 21-22 riot. The Metro Jaya Police confirmed that the Gerindra Party ambulance that carried rocks for the protesters is a property of PT Arsari Pratama, a subsidiary of Arsari Group. Gerindra, as we all know, is the largest opposition party led by the losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto. The Arsari Group, meanwhile, is a business group owned by Prabowo’s younger brother Hashim Djojohadikusumo, who is also a key leader of Gerindra and Prabowo-Sandiaga Uno’s national campaign team (BPN) in the 2019 presidential race. Implications?
Those Stand By Prabowo’s Side (2)
Responding to criticism, Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan defended the decision from Prabowo-Sandiaga campaign to name two of his ‘special assistants’, Rikrik Rizkiyan and Bambang Widjojanto—-who get salaries from the State Budget, as lawyers representing the campaign in the Constitutional Court battle. Anies said they have every right to represent Prabowo-Sandiaga. Unfortunately, it is about ethical judgement from both Rikrik and Bambang.
The Bargain Game
Chaos is a ladder, Bran Stark said quoting Littefinger’s words in the Game of Thrones series. The riotting in some places in the capital city might somehow lead to opportunity for those wanting to strenthen their bargaining position vis-à-vis President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in light of the upcoming cabinet reshuffle and power sharing in Jokowi’s second term.
The Real Jokowi
After two days of clashes, the capital city is slowly returning to normal. That said, the Police must make sure that those responsible for the clashes—the masterminds, the financiers, and the coordinators—be found and held responsible.
Post-Election Clash
A clash between the security forces and the protesters was inevitable last night (May 21). It lasted to this morning (May 22) after the crowd refused to go home. The security forces was able to take control of the situation in front of the Election Supervisory Body’s (Bawaslu) building in Thamrin and in front of the Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta. Nevertheless, the protesters later burned down the dormitory of the Police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob), a police office, and some vehicles in Petamburan, West Jakarta.
Post-KPU’s Announcement Recap
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Prabowo Subianto each held a press briefing yesterday (May 21) after the General Election Commission (KPU) announced the general election results. Jokowi asked everyone to accept the results and to respect the people’s choice. Prabowo, meanwhile, refused to concede.
Magnum Opus
What Prabowo did in Brunei last Thursday (May 16), one day before the national police informed the State prosecutors that the president candidate was subject of an investigation for treason attempt alongside Eggy Sudjana? Why Brunei? Whom he met in Brunei Darussalam? The Sultan? What they talked about? Preparation for May 22 street protest? Why Wedi Kamaludin, marketing director of PT Pertamina Trans Kontinental, subsidiary of state oil and gas company Pertamina, was in the entourage?
Prabowo, His Generals & May 22nd Rally
The retired military and police generals supporting Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno (Prabowo-Sandi) in the 2019 presidential race have rejected the election results. They claimed that the election was flawed with structured, systematic, and massive frauds. They, therefore, said they would join the May 22nd rally. Will they end up like Maj. Gen. (ret) Kivlan Zein?