Megawati’s Wisdom
On Thursday (May 3), while leading her party’s coordination meeting, the Chairwoman of the ruling party PDIP Megawati Soekarnoputri said that she was grateful of the survey results pointing to a PDIP lead. But on that note, she warned her party cadres against being complacent and arrogant. She also asked them to refrain from speaking carelessly in public. “Survey results should not become the (sole) point of reference … today we’re at the top, but unexpected things may happen and then we’re at the bottom,” she said. Megawati is clearly mindful of the dangers of complacency. A wisdom she surely has gained from being in politics for decades.
People on the Move: The New KPPU Commissioners
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has on Wednesday (May 2) sworn in nine new commissioners of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), a very strategic State commission tasked with, among others, eradicating monopolistic practices. So, who are they? Can we expect good things from this new lineup?
Kalla & the 2019 Race
The supporters of Vice President Jusuf Kalla have not given up on the idea of getting the VP another term as Jokowi’s pair. Recently, they submitted a judicial review request at the Constitutional Court (MK), challenging the Election Law No. 7/2017.
2018 May Day Review
The 2018 International Workers’ Day (May Day) was celebrated in Indonesia by several labor organizations. The roster of events was not as packed as the roster in past years. Then again, the events held this year were still interesting to observe.
Speculations on the Running Mate for Jokowi & Prabowo
The Chairman of the Gerindra Party Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto told a crowd of workers gathering in the event held by the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Union (KSPI) yesterday (May 1) that he’s ready to run as a presidential candidate in the 2019 race. On the same day, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a luncheon with hundreds of ulemas and muslim intellectuals from all over the world, including from Indonesia, at the Presidential Palace in Bogor.
Budi Waseso’s Appointment
Police Comr. Gen. (ret) Budi Waseso a.k.a Buwas is the new CEO of the strategic Bureau of Logistics (otherwise known as Perum Bulog)—he replaced Djarot Kusumayakti. Commenting on Buwas’ appointment, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that Bulog needed a firm and brave figure like Buwas, who earlier served as the head of the Anti-Narcotics Agency (BNN). Knowing Buwas and considering Jokowi’s statement above, one can understand if some have begun to wonder whether Jokowi would appoint more figures like Buwas in his next cabinet should he win his reelection.
The 2019 Race: Megawati’s upcoming meeting with Airlangga Hartarto
The Chairwoman of the ruling party PDIP Megawati Soekarnoputri and the Chairman of the Golkar Party Airlangga Hartarto is scheduled to meet next week. Both PDIP and Golkar are members of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s ruling coalition.
The May Day Rally & the 2019 Race
Around 180,000 workers all over the country, including those from the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Union (KSPI) in Jakarta, will join the May Day celebration rally on Tuesday (May 1). The KSPI, moreover, will take the opportunity to declare their endorsement of Prabowo Subianto’s presidential bid. KSPI’s support is not surprising given that its chairman Said Iqbal has been a loyal supporter of Prabowo since 2014.
JKW vs TW?
Gatot Nurmantyo’s admission that he’s a close friend of Tomy Winata has opened up a lot of interesting discussions. Why would the former TNI commander do so? What message does he intend to send, to whom? What does this tell us about the 2019 presidential race?
Tomy Winata, Gatot Nurmantyo, and PT IndoCertes
Earlier this month, the Tempo magazine published an article in which the former military commander Gatot Nurmantyo casually admitted to being close with Tomy Winata, the patron of Artha Graha Group. Interestingly, around the same time, rumors began to spread that Gatot ran a side business, focusing on military equipments, and that the business was linked to the recent accident involving an M113 tank. All of this led to, Tomy Winata, by way of his representative, speaking up and denying the rumors that he’s the man behind Gatot’s political ambition.