SBY Aftermath: The Closure of Jurnal Nasional Newspaper
Staffs and journalists of Jurnal Nasional newspaper asked former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to find a solution related to the closure of the paper, Kompas.com reported Friday (Oct 31). They asked the chairman of Democratic Party to make sure that workers will not become victims of mass layoffs. What’s going on?
Minister of Transportation Ignasius Jonan
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo answered the people’s expectation for improvement in transportation by appointing the CEO of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Ignasius Jonan. Jonan has proven that he’s able to turn PT KAI from wreck to a viable public transportation alternative. Does Jonan have what it takes to transform the country’s transportation sector for the better?
Minister of Social Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa
The new Minister of Social Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa is a Muslim activist from the largest Islamic organization in the country the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). But first and foremost, Khofifah is a seasoned politician. She has been involved in Indonesia’s political scene ever since the Soeharto’s administration in the early 90s.
Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law & Security Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno
The position of Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law & Security is the position traditionally given to someone from the military. So it wasn’t a surprise that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo appointed retired Admiral Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno to the position. Other names, such as, Gen. (ret) Wiranto and Gen. (ret) Luhut Pandjaitan were previously mentioned as candidates for the position. They’re strong names. So the question is, why Tedjo Edhy?
Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya
The name Arief Yahya is not one you’d hear in association to tourism. The 53-year old professional is instead known for his work in the information and communication technologies (ICT) industry. This is why his appointment raised some eyebrows. Why did President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo choose to entrust the tourism portfolio to Arief Yahya?
New Minister of SOEs Rini Mariani Soemarno
Rini Mariani Soemarno is another controversial name in the new cabinet due to her alleged involvement in scandals of the past. Rini was once questioned as witness in graft cases by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). But the KPK Spokesperson Johan Budi recently stressed the point that being a witness related to a graft cases does not mean a person is undeserving of a ministerial position.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development & Culture Puan Maharani
Puan Maharani’s appointment as the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture drew a lot of negative remarks. But it’s a done deal. Those who disapprove may say what they want to say, but nothing will change the fact that from now onwards, Puan Maharani will be responsible for delivering President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s pro-poor programs in healthcare and education, on top of being responsible for poverty eradication and improvement of welfare.
PT. Terang Dunia Internusa of United Bike
Established in 1975 by Tan Mong Kong, United Bike began as a bicycle importer under PT Bintang Timur. The development into bicycle manufacturing did not happen until the early 1990s under PT Terang Dunia Internusa. Today, the company is managed by Stephen Mulyadi, Henry Mulyadi and Andrew Mulyadi.
PT Wijaya Indonesia Makmur Bicycle Industries of WIM Cycle
PT Wijaya Indonesia Makmur Bicycle Industries is one of the oldest bicycle manufacturers in Indonesia. Established by Hendra Widjaja in 1972 as a bicycle part manufacturer under CV Indonesia Makmur, Hendra Widjaja decided to develop his business into full-fledge bicycle manufacturing in 1976 under PT Wijaya Indonesia Makmur Bicycle Industries.
Minister of Communications and Informatics Rudiantara
The new Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara is known for his extensive background in the industry. Aside from being one of the commissioners of Indosat (ISAT)—together with Rachmat Gobel the new Minister of Trade—, Rudiantara is also known as a former executive of XL Axiata and Semen Gresik, and, last but not least, PT Rajawali Asia Resources, a company controlled by tycoon Peter Sondakh.