Another, but important, Petition for Jokowi on Democratic Backsliding
A number of professors, lecturers, student activists, and alumni of the Yogyakarta’s Gadjah Mada University (UGM) read out the so-called Bulaksumur Petition. With this petition, they share their concerns and also warn President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo about the abuse of power and the democratic backsliding during his second term, including what happened at the Constitutional Court (MK) and the President’s latest statement that indicates his partisanship in the 2024 elections. The petition was read at the Balairung of UGM, which is the alma mater of President Jokowi, on Wednesday (Jan. 31).
Arrogant richest Indonesians are responsible for democratic backsliding
Trimegah Securities, one of brokerage firms in Indonesia owned by tycoon Garibaldi ‘Boy’ Thohir, organized a conference called ‘Political Outlook 2024’ on Wednesday (Jan 31). The conference is more like a campaign arena for Prabowo Subianto, the only president candidate giving speech. It was also attended by Boy’s younger brother Erick Thohir, who is minister of state-owned enterprises.
Avoiding a runoff
The most recent survey result from LSI Denny JA (if we can trust) shows that the electability of Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka has reached above 50 percent for the first time. The pollster also found Ganjar Pranowo and his running mate Mahfud MD at the bottom with an electability slightly below Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar. Looks like that this is part of an effort to seal the race in one round, avoiding a runoff that might turn against Prabowo-Gibran instead.
Ten years of Jokowi: Back to square one!
Transparency International has just released its 2023 corruption perception index (CPI), where Indonesia ranked 115 in the world, significantly worse than 2014 when Jokowi entered the office (107). Indonesia’s score for 2023 was 34, similar to 2014. So, when it comes to eradicating corruption, Jokowi is considered worse than his predecessors.
Losing Momentum
The Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law & Security Affairs Mahfud MD told the press on Tuesday (Jan. 30) that he met with the Minister of State Secretary Pratikno on Monday (Jan. 29) night, in which he requested for a meeting with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. Mahfud, who is running in the 2024 presidential race as running mate of Ganjar Pranowo, hinted that he wants to tender his resignation directly to the President.
Mahfud’s Blunder
Mahfud MD, running mate of Ganjar Pranowo, a presidential candidate from a coalition led by the ruling party PDIP, made a clarification on his controversial statement during a campaign event in Lampung on Jan. 25. Mahfud, as you may know, has come under criticism for the controversial statement.
A Message to Jokowi: Take A Leave!
The neutrality of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in the 2024 presidential election is increasingly questioned. Recently, the President was accompanied by Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto to inaugurate a new facility at the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang, Central Java on Monday (Jan. 29). After that, they had a lunch together in public.
Anies on HTI & FPI
Anies Baswedan, in a campaign event held in Bandung (West Java) on Sunday (Jan. 28), was asked about whether or not he will normalize the two disbanded organizations, Front Pembela Islam (FPI) and Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI), if he is elected as the next President....
Jokowi’s Meeting with AHY
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo held a meeting with the Chairman of Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), who is the eldest son of Jokowi’s predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono SBY), in Yogyakarta over the weekend. The meeting is worth highlighting in light...
Questioning the ‘Change Narrative’
Thomas “Tom” Lembong, who is now co-captain of Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar’s campaign team, shared the reasons why he chose to oppose President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and support Anies in the 2024 presidential election. Tom stated that he agrees with Anies that it is time for a change. The question is, what kind of change will Anies bring into this country?