Members comments from the past week (Not a reflection of the views of the Indonesia Institute):
"There is bubbling concern that Jokowi is a mere wayang of
Megawati. His transition team has done little to dispel that idea. It is led by
Ibu Rina Soemarno, Megawati’s 'closest' friend and her ex discredited Trade
Minister. Ibu Rina was terminated as Deputy Head of IBRA and was involved in
the very dubious purchase of Russian Sukhoi jets. Her brother Ari was the
former Head of Pertamina with a suspect record (many think that Ibu
Karen the current head of Pertamina, quit as head, due to Pak Ari’s return to
power). Megawati’s former Police Chief Bachtier and security Head (Bin)
Hendropriyono of Munir fame also make the list as well as many of Ibu Puan’s
(Megawatt’s ambitious daughter) apparchiks."
"The reason that Prabowo nearly stole this election is that
few wanted a repeat of Megawati’s presidency, are they going to get it?"
"It has been interesting seeing all the praise for SBY.
Especially in Australia. The best friend we ever had etc. Much of this is true
but purely for SBY’s self-preservation, he has done what he needs to do to get
a diplomatically protected position to partially protect him and his family
from the talons of the KPK. He has undermined Indonesian
sovereignty in preference to dealing with the major western powers that would provide
him with support. SBY has already moved his middle son and family
to an extended training assignment with USA military in the states. He has for
the first time ever, put in place an ex-Presidential guard to provide for his
safety and security. No other President had or needed them. Whether land deals
with Singapore, gas with the UK (Tangguh) spying agreements with Australia, a shiny
metal trophy, or an illuminated manuscript SBY put himself above Indonesia's interests in his final hour at the helm."
