Prohibited Organization FPI, Finally…
By the end of 2016, we saw the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leading a band of religious conservatives to accuse the then Governor of Jakarta Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama of blasphemy. This movement briefly threatened the stability of the nation and emboldened the FPI to broadcast their deranged extremist views. An example of such views would be the accusation that the Central Bank had incorporated the logo of the banned communist party into the newly designed rupiah bills. The public has grown anxious to the point that calls for the disbandment of FPI emerged once more. But we have to wait for over three years of seemingly endless drama before it happens. On Dec. 30, 2020, the Government finally officially disbanded the FPI. The public rejoices, but FPI resist. We wonder what will happen after this decision.
The New Vice Minister of Defense: Muhammad Herindra
The Indonesian Military (TNI) losses its two representatives in the cabinet following President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s decision to replace General (ret) Fachrul Razi and Lt. Gen. (ret) dr. Terawan Agus Putranto. But in exchange, the TNI got another strategic portfolio with Jokowi’s decision to appoint Lt. Gen. Muhammad Herindra as the new Vice Minister of Defense. Herindra, a former commander (Danjen) of the Army’s Special Forces Kopasssus, replaces Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, who has been appointed as the new Minister of Marine & Fisheries. He will assist Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, who is also former commander of Kopassus.
The New Minister of Health: Budi Gunadi Sadikin
Unorthodox! President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has appointed Budi Gunadi Sadikin as the new Minister of Health Affairs replacing the controversial Lt. Gen. (ret) dr. Terawan Agus Putranto. Budi, former CEO of state bank Mandiri (BMRI), previously served as Vice Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
The New Minister of Trade: Muhammad Lutfi
Muhammad Lutfi is the new Minister of Trade, replacing Agus Suparmanto, a politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB). Prior to that, Lutfi served as the Indonesian Ambassador for the United States of America (USA). Lutfi is not a new face in Indonesian business and politics.
The New Minister of Religious Affairs: Yaqut Cholil Qoumas
PKB, an Islamic party that strongly affiliated to the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), lost the Trade Ministry portfolio to Muhammad Lutfi, a professional with extensive networking to Indonesian business and politics. But in exchange, PKB got another strategic portfolio with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s decision to appoint Yaqut Cholil Qoumas a.k.a Gus Yaqut as the new Minister of Religious Affairs replacing General (ret) Fachrul Razi. Yaqut is the chairman of GP Ansor, a youth wing organization of NU, the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia.
The New Minister of Tourism & Creative Economy: Sandiaga Uno
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has appointed Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, who is a key leader of Gerindra Party and Prabowo Subianto’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, as the new Minister of Tourism & Creative Economy. Sandi replaced Wishnutama, former executive of NET TV (Indika Group). If any, this ministerial position can help Sandi to remain relevant ahead of 2024 elections.
The New Minister of Marine & Fisheries: Sakti Wahyu Trenggono
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has been appointed by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as the new Minister of Marine & Fisheries. He’s replacing Edhy Prabowo, a key leader of Gerindra Party and Prabowo Subianto’s trusted aide that arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in corruption case. Prior to that, Sakti assisted Prabowo as Vice Minister of Defense.
The New Minister of Social Affairs: Tri Rismaharini
The popular Mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini is now the new Minister of Social Affairs. Risma, a politician from the ruling party PDIP, replaces her fellow party cadre Juliari Batubara—-arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in corruption case. Like Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, also known close to PDIP, Risma has the first duty to bring back the Social Affairs Ministry on the right track.
Islamic Organizations (7): PERTI
The Persatuan Tarbiyah Islamiyah (PERTI or PTI) is based in West Sumatera. The Organization is led by Basri Bermanda, one of the new deputy chairmen of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). PERTI has a long history in Indonesian politics.
Islamic Organisations (6): The KKNU 1926
The Komite Khittah Nahdlatul Ulama (KKNU) 1926 is a small annex organization of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia. The KKNU 1926 is led by Prof. Rochmat Wahab, one of the presidium chairmen of the new opposition group KAMI.