2019 Presidential Race: Campaign Leave
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is going to have to take a leave when campaigning for his re-election. The good news is that the leave is only effective per the day and time of his campaigning on the road, and that it doesn’t mean that his presidential privileges and duties are stripped off while on leave. That being said, Jokowi seems keen to delegate. Vice President Jusuf Kalla is not going to campaign for the President because he’s going to focus on running the government while Jokowi is on leave. The question then is what will Kalla do while Jokowi is away?
Corruption Journal: Kebumen and Subang Graft Case
The Corruption Court at the Semarang District Court recently read the verdict for one Khayub Muhamad Lutfi, the commissioner of PT Karya Adi Kencana, who was named suspect earlier this year for allegedly bribing Yahya Fuad, the regent of Kebumen. Yahya’s trial, on the other hand, is still ongoing. In a separate trial held by the Corruption Court at the Bandung District Court related to the Subang graft case, which ensnared the regent one Imas Aryumningsih, the defendant’s legal counsel mentioned the involvement of Imas’ son one Arya Natasusanda in several of the regency’s decision making meeting. This is the first time Arya’s name has been mentioned in the case.
People on the Move
As predicted, the Deputy Chairman of Gerindra Party Fadli Zon confirmed that PKS would get to nominate their cadre for the position of vice governor of Jakarta—the position left behind by Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno. But as we’ve said, competition for the place remains tough.
A Divided Democratic Party (2)
Rumors have been going around that the Governor of East Java Soekarwo, who is also the chairman of Democratic Party’s East Java chapter, might leave theDemocratic Party for the Nasdem Party, a member of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s coalition. If this is true, Soekarwo would be yet another Democratic Party politician supporting President Jokowi in the 2019 presidential election. This would add doubt to the Democratic Party’s ability to remain unified in supporting Prabowo-Sandi.
Jokowi’s Campaign Team
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is in the process of forming his campaign team. The full line-up is not yet available, but a few names have already been mentioned as members of the team.
Sandiaga Uno and Campaign Money
Sandiaga Uno recently made headlines after Prabowo made him his running mate for the 2019 Presidential Election. Sandiaga’s nomination was coupled with controversial allegation made by the Democratic Party’s Andi Arief, that Sandi was chosen in exchange for monetary compensations. The parties were enraged by Andi Arief’s allegation but soon Sandi admitted that he gave money to several parties, albeit not as tributes but as campaign funds.
The Campaign Teams
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has confirmed that Vice President (VP) Jusuf Kalla is willing to become the head of his campaign team’s Advisory Council. On the other side, the Democratic Party denied that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) was willing to become the head of Prabowo-Sandi’s campaign team.
People on the Move
As predicted, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo chose Enny Nurbaningsih as the new justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) to replace Maria Farida Indrati. President Jokowi will take Enny’s oath today (August 13) at the State Palace Jakarta. In the meantime, the former Governor of West Java Ahmad “Aher” Heryawan has been rumored as the frontrunner to become the new Jakarta vice governor to replace Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, who has resigned to run in the 2019 presidential race as Prabowo Subianto’s running mate.
Prabowo-Sandiaga
Prabowo’s decision to run with Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno was a huge surprise for many. Sandi has never been mentioned as an alternative vice presidential candidate. And beyond that, there are allegations that Prabowo chose Sandi because of monetary reasons. Andi Arief, the Deputy Secretary General of Democratic Party and former special staffer for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), was the one who made the allegation.
The Race to Watch
So, we will have a race to watch. We have two competing pairs: Jokowi-Mar’uf Amin and Prabowo-Sandi Uno. That’s better than a Jokowi versus empty box. While some progressive minds might be upset with Jokowi’s selection of Mar’uf Amin, who is considered key figure behind …, others expect less identity and sectarian tones in the long campaign.