TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There was a political earthquake at the end of last week. Muhamin Iskandar, Chair of the National Awakening Party (PKB) left the coalition of parties supporting Prabowo Subianto. The politically accepted reason for Muhaimin’s departure was that he no longer had a chance to be Prabowo’s vice-presidential candidate after the National Mandate Party (PAN) and Golkar joined forces.
Golkar brought Airlangga Hartarto, while PAN brought Erick Thohir as their vice-presidential candidates. Although these two potential running mates for Prabowo lost ground due to the emergence of a new name, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Muhaimin’s chances were already closed. His opportunity was revived when he joined forces with Anies Baswedan.
Anies has yet to announce his running mate. The Democrat Party is eager to propose Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, but the electorate for both candidates is the same. Agus also does not strengthen Anies’ electability in weak provinces. Choosing Muhaimin is clearly a more politically sensible option than accepting the Democrat Party’s proposal.
The problem is, Muhaimin has a history of alleged corruption. He once served as the Minister of Manpower in Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s cabinet. There was news of bribery involving ‘durian fruit boxes’ from Indonesian migrant worker providers that were detected by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Now, the KPK is set to question Muhaimin again following last week’s declaration of Anies-Muhaimin as presidential and vice-presidential candidates for 2024.
However, Muhaimin’s joining of Anies’ camp could restore the good relations between NasDem Chair Suraya Paloh and President Jokowi. Anies’ nomination has caused a rift between the two. Therefore, Muhaimin’s inclusion can be seen as Jokowi’s influence within Anies’ coalition. Jokowi’s maneuvering to determine his successor has been accomplished. He has a hand in every presidential candidate.
Politics becomes more intriguing and complex, simultaneously making one queasy due to the display of power-hungry party factions. There is no public interest in this. That is why, in addition to politics, we also write about other entertaining and useful topics. Happy reading.
Bagja Hidayat
Executive editor
Trading Politics
Muhaimin Iskandar will be Anies Baswedan's running mate. This adds to the electoral political tension and apathy.
Criminal Soldiers
The three soldiers who allegedly killed a civilian should be tried in a criminal court. The Military Courts Law needs to be revised.
Carbon Trading
The plan from the OJK to introduce carbon units as securities could lead to problems. Carbon trading no longer means a reduction in emissions.
The Cause of Air Pollution
Curbing Air Pollution
The use of electric cars is not seen as a solution to Jakarta’s air pollution. It is also blamed for exacerbating deforestation.
