POLITICS

President Joko Widodo’s cabinet will continue their study on cities that can replace Jakarta as the capital city, despite some challenges. In the Draft Revised State Budget 2017, the government has proposed Rp7 billion (US$524423.2) for the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) to conduct a quick study on the potential cities.

Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Habib Rizieq Syihab has invited the government to seek reconciliation, or islah. In a recorded message sent from Saudi Arabia, Habib called for a reconciliation between the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Council´s Fatwa (GNPF-MUI) and the government.

The House of Representatives’ Rights-of-Inquiry on Pelindo II Special Committee is investigating into the use of a syndicated loan worth US$1.58 billion (Rp21 trillion) obtained by PT Pelindo II. The company is yet to submit a report on the huge loan’s use, yet, Pelindo II is now bearing the burden of paying the interest.

A new conflict in the Middle East has arisen. Qatar is being ‘disconnected’ by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for allegedly funding ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), Al-Qaeda and Ikhwanul Muslimin. 

President Joko Widodo has said that he will not intervene in the House of Representative’s plan to launch a rights-of-inquiry against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), saying that it is the parliament’s internal matter.

The government and the House of Representatives (DPR) are in agreement that there should be more seats at House of Representatives, the People’s Legislative Council (MPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

After taking a stern measure to disband Islamic Hizbut Tahir over the accusation that the mass organization is anti-Pancasila, the nation’s ideology, President Joko Widodo, or Jokowi, has instructed the National Police chief and the Indonesian Army commander to take action against statements and actions that threaten the national unity. 

"So we consider that Mr. Didin’s case is (published) only to distract the public’s attention to severe forest damage cases that seem to be covered. Why they cover the issue, is there any official involved?" Sabang questioned.

 Prabowo Subianto’s image bolstered, following Anies Baswedan-Sandiaga Uno’s win in the recent Jakarta election, displeasing adversary political parties – as the 2019 Presidential Elections is now in sight - who quickly strategized by revealing the role of other politicians in the pair’s victory.

According to Zulkifli, JK brought a great influence although he only recommended Anies Baswedan’s name. JK is a senior politician, a figure of HMI and KAHMI, an Islamic figure, and many Muslim scholars (Ulemas) asked questions to him. So, JK has a significant influence among Muslims.

Fewer political parties are supporting the Rights of Inquiry against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as some lawmakers have backed down, leaving only four factions openly supporting the move, namely the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), the Golkar Party, the Nasional Democrat (NasDem) party and the People’s Conscious (Hanura) party.