Indonesia Appoints New Security Minister Following Deadly Protests

In a significant reshuffle of his cabinet, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has appointed retired general Djamari Chaniago as the new coordinating minister for politics and security. This decision comes in the wake of violent protests that erupted last month, resulting in the deaths of at least ten individuals. The unrest was largely fueled by public outrage over the country’s struggling economy and revelations of politicians receiving substantial housing allowances.

Background of the Protests

The protests that shook Indonesia were ignited by reports indicating that lawmakers were receiving a housing allowance of $3,000, a sum that far exceeds the country’s monthly minimum wage by a factor of ten to twenty, depending on the region. This news sparked widespread anger among citizens grappling with economic hardships, leading to demonstrations that escalated into violence. The situation reached a tragic turning point when a 21-year-old motorcycle delivery driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed after being struck by a police vehicle during the protests in Jakarta.

Cabinet Reshuffle and Appointment of Chaniago

In response to the unrest, President Subianto took decisive action, removing Budi Gunawan from his position as security minister earlier this month. The appointment of Chaniago is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the government and regain public trust amid the turmoil. Chaniago, who previously served as the commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command, has a complex history tied to Indonesia’s political landscape. He was one of seven generals involved in the Officers Council of Honor, formed in 1998 during investigations into the kidnapping of political activists during the final days of President Suharto’s regime.

Subianto’s decision to install Chaniago reflects his broader strategy to consolidate power by replacing underperforming ministers in key roles, particularly in the security sector. Chaniago’s military background and experience in handling sensitive situations may be viewed as crucial assets in addressing the ongoing unrest.

Historical Context of Subianto and Chaniago

Prabowo Subianto himself has a controversial history as a former general. He was dismissed from the military in 1998 after being found guilty of “misinterpreting orders” related to the actions of his elite force, Kopassus, which was implicated in the kidnapping and torture of political opponents during Suharto’s dictatorship. Following his dismissal, Subianto spent years in self-imposed exile in Jordan before returning to Indonesia to pursue a political career.

Chaniago’s appointment is particularly notable given his own past. In May 1998, he replaced Subianto as commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command during a tumultuous period in Indonesian history. The legacy of that era remains fraught with unresolved issues, including the fate of 22 activists who were abducted, of whom 13 are still missing. Despite the convictions of some of his subordinates, neither Subianto nor Chaniago faced legal repercussions for their roles in these events.

Implications of the New Appointment

The appointment of Chaniago as security minister signals a potential shift in the government’s approach to handling civil unrest and economic challenges. Subianto has previously relied on military personnel for various government tasks, including managing street protests and implementing social initiatives such as free school meals and food security programs. By placing Chaniago in a position of authority, Subianto may be signaling an intent to take a firmer stance on public dissent while addressing the pressing economic issues facing the nation.

The recent violence and the government’s response have raised concerns about the balance between maintaining order and respecting citizens’ rights to protest. The Indonesian public’s reaction to Chaniago’s appointment will likely be closely monitored, as many citizens remain skeptical of the government’s commitment to addressing their grievances.

Conclusion

As Indonesia navigates a period marked by economic difficulties and social unrest, the appointment of Djamari Chaniago as the new coordinating minister for politics and security represents a critical juncture for President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. The effectiveness of this cabinet reshuffle in restoring public confidence and addressing the underlying issues that sparked recent protests remains to be seen.

Key Facts

– **New Appointment**: Djamari Chaniago appointed as coordinating minister for politics and security.
– **Protests**: Recent protests in Indonesia resulted in 10 fatalities, sparked by economic grievances.
– **Housing Allowance Controversy**: Politicians were reported to receive a $3,000 housing allowance, significantly higher than the minimum wage.
– **Historical Context**: Both Subianto and Chaniago have controversial military backgrounds linked to past human rights abuses.
– **Cabinet Changes**: Chaniago replaces Budi Gunawan, who was dismissed amid the unrest.

Source: www.aljazeera.com