Jokowi-Prabowo Rematch
Prabowo Subianto has decided to run for office, and so we may see a rematch between Prabowo and President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. Let’s assess their strengths and weaknesses and briefly gauge their chance to win in 2019.
On Kukar Graft Case and KPK’s Latest Sting Operation
On April 11, 2018 the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court continued the trial of the former Regent of Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) Rita Widyasari on the case of corruption she allegedly committed with one other suspect Khairudin. A day before, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a Sting Operation in West Bandung. Six were arrested, and three were lated named suspects, including the Regent of West Bandung one Abubakar (PDI-P).
Prabowo’s Decision
Prabowo Subianto has finally made up his mind, ending months of speculations. Last night (April 11) Prabowo accepted the mandate of his Party to run as a presidential candidate in the 2019 race.
The 2019 Race: Prabowo’s Dilemma & Gatot’s Move (2)
The elites of the Gerindra Party appear to be divided on the future of their party chairman Prabowo Subianto. One Gerindra elite recently revealed the possibility of Prabowo not running for the office, and instead becoming a kingmaker. Prabowo would presumably give way to someone like Gatot Nurmantyo. Other Gerindra elites, however, remain adamant that Prabowo will run for office once more.
2019 Race: Jokowi’s Coalition to Expand?
The Chairman of PPP Romahurmuziy a.k.a Romy broke the news that two more political parties may join President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s coalition for 2019 presidential race this month. One of them is, perhaps, the Democratic Party or PAN. The Chairman of Golkar Airlangga Hartato had said that a blue party would join the President’s coalition. Blue, as we all know, is the color of the Democratic Party and PAN.
The Race to become Prabowo’s Running Mate
Although Prabowo Subianto has not yet decided on whether to run for office or to become a kingmaker, the race to become his running mate is on, and competition for the spot appears to be as fierce as the competition to become President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s running mate. The Chairman of PBB Yusril Ihza Mahendra is the latest politician to have expressed interest in becoming Prabowo’s running mate.
Jokowi & West Java
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo had a very busy weekend. Started with inspection of cash-for-work in Cicurug, Sukabumi, West Java, the president looked determined to revitalize railway system in the most populous province with construction of double-track railway connecting Bogor and Sukabumi.
The National Police’s Latest Job Rotation
The Chief of the National Police (POLRI) General Tito Karnavian made another round of job rotation. Included in this round is Brig. Gen. Firli being made the new Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy for enforcement. Interestingly, among the police generals promoted into heads of regional police offices are Tito Karnavian’s classmates from the 1987 Police Academy (Akpol).
2019 Race: Luhut’s Meeting with Prabowo
General (ret) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan met with Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto at a restaurant in Jakarta last Friday (April 7). The meeting was supposed to be a secret meeting, but it was leaked to the press. What did both men talk about?
The 2019 Race: Longer Campaign Period & Leave Requirement Issue
The General Election Commission (KPU) is still working on the regulation that would require incumbent president and vice president to take a leave during the 2019 campaign period. The KPU does not see this as an issue, but let’s not forget that the 2019 presidential race has a campaign period that is much longer than past presidential elections.