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.
Islamic Organizations (5): Nahdlatul Wathan
Two Islamic organizations in Indonesia use the name of Nahdlatul Wathan (NW). The first is the Nahdlatul Wathan that was founded in Java in 1916 by KH Wahab Chasbullah, who is the pupil of KH Hasyim Asyari. This Nahdlatul Wathan is the pioneer of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), now the largest Islamic organization in the country. The second one is the Nahdlatul Wathan, whose stronghold is in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province, established back in 1953 by Maulana Syekh TGK Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid, the late grandfather of former NTB Governor TGH Muhammad Zainul Majdi a.k.a Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB).
Islamic Organizations (4): Hidayatullah
Hidayatullah is not as big as the major Islamic organizations in Indonesia such as the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the Muhammadiyah. Still, Hidayatullah is worth highlighting in the context of Islam and politics in the country.
Islamic Organisations (3): PII
The Pelajar Islam Indonesia or the Indonesian Islamic Students (PII) is another Islamic organization with a long history in Indonesian politics. Some of the famous alumni of PII are now members of the so-called Coalition to Save Indonesia (KAMI), an opposition group led by former Military (TNI) Commander General (ret) Gatot Nurmantyo.
Islamic Organizations (2): Al-Irsyad
Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiyyah is one of the oldest Islamic organizations in Indonesia. Like many other Islamic organizations, Al Irsyad also has an extensive network.
Islamic Organisations (1): Persis
The Persatuan Islam or Islam Union (Persis) is one of many Muslim groups in Indonesia. Its stronghold is in West Java. In President Soekarno’s era, Persis was strongly affiliated with the Masyumi Party. Today, the Group is affiliated with the opposition party PKS.
On Joker’s Case: Joshua Rahmat, Objections and Witness Accounts
The trials related to cases of corruption and conspiracy to save Joko Tjandra continues. Earlier this week, Joko Tjandra attended the hearing in the trial of prosecutor Pinangki as a witness. He gave a different account if compared to the investigation report. The same hearing also presented Rahmat, the missing link in the case. A day after that, in a hearing on the trial of Joko Tjandra and Tommy Sumadi, Joko’s secretary was summoned as a witness and she explained how Tommy received money from Joko.