Will Jokowi Follow Ahok?

(published by The Jakarta Post on 5 Feb 2015. Click here)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is now in the labyrinth, but apparently he will soon find the way out after he met with Prabowo Subianto on Jan 29 at the Bogor Palace.

Was Prabowo coming as a savior for Jokowi, who these days is trying very hard to settle his dishevelment in the face of the law? 

The meeting soon became headline news as Jokowi is in the middle of a political crisis surrounding the National Police chief position. It also attracted attention after news circulated that the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the leader of Jokowi’s supporting parties, had threatened to withdraw its support because Jokowi did not immediately inaugurate Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan as the next National Police chief.

Ahmad Syafi’i Maarif, leader of the independent team formed by Jokowi to provide advice toward a solution regarding the bitter friction between the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the National Police, said that the President was pressured by his alliance of political parties when nominating Budi. It was even said that the name was not actually his choice.

Although on many occasions the PDI-P has denied interfering with the prerogative of the President in selecting the National Police chief, its actions tell otherwise. While Jokowi is cool and remains calm in the critical situation, the way the PDI-P behaves is very aggressive. The PDI-P very obviously showed anger after the KPK named Budi a suspect.

The appearance of Prabowo for Jokowi in this time of trouble was surprising for many. We don’t know who initiated the meeting, but this was a very smart arrangement as the timing was so precise. Prabowo stole the attention and impressed the public given that he is the chief figure of Red-and-White Coalition (KMP), the rival of the PDI-P-led Great Indonesia Coalition (KIH). Jokowi himself described Prabowo as his best friend. Prabowo said he will provide full support whatever the President decides surrounding the KPK-police conflict. This is a moral boost offered by Prabowo with the knowledge that he would counter the PDI-P, which is standing on Jokowi’s opposite side.

Speculation is mounting that Jokowi may switch alliances if the PDI-P fails to make the President feel comfortable while running his administration. Indeed, Jokowi could be with any political party if he wants. But it is too early to conclude this right now.

While Jokowi is known as the Javanese person who shows polite manners and upholds the alon-alon waton kelakon (slow but sure) principle, we remember the bravery of Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, who quit the Gerindra Party right after Gerindra, with the KMP, supported indirect elections to elect regional leaders. Ahok seemed to have no worries at all, although he knew he would govern Jakarta without support from any parties.

Are Prabowo and his KMP sincere in supporting Jokowi? Time will tell. But I would like to remind our President of advice from Benjamin Franklin: “Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing”. 

Will you follow your former deputy Jakarta governor, Mr. President?

***

Serpong, 5 Feb 2015

Titus J.