Earlier this week, the head of the Nusantara Authority – Indonesia’s new capital city – Bambang Susantono and his deputy Dhony Rahajoe both resigned from their positions.
“The resignation of these two officials (heads of Nusantara) is quite interesting. This is because it is rare to hear officials in the Jokowi era declare their resignation from office. Moreover, they are considered successful in carrying out their duties,” said Mr Ray, the political observer.
Meanwhile, Dr Ambang believes that the resignation of the two Nusantara officials is due to their disagreements with Mr Widodo.
“The fact is that there is no evidence, for example, of claims of an influx of foreign investors into Nusantara. The burden of funding this project is indeed very heavy. Meanwhile, Mr Widodo still feels the need to realise (the construction of Nusantara) as his political legacy,” he said.
Mr Agung Baskoro, a political analyst at the Trias Politika Strategic research institute, said that there has been a lack of synchronisation lately between the policies of the president and his ministers, and vice-versa.
“This happens because policies are decided in a hurry, without any in-depth study, do not consider the national situation, and do not pay attention to the public interest,” Mr Agung told CNA.
LEGACY AFFECTED BY SLEW OF CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
The analysts also believe that Mr Widodo’s legacy of late has been marked by several controversies, including the election of his son – Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka – as the incoming vice-president after changes were made to the country’s constitutional laws.
Meanwhile, Mr Widodo’s relationship with the party that supported his political ascent – the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) – was also severed after he endorsed Mr Prabowo in the recent election instead of the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Ganjar Pranowo.
According to Mr Ray from Lingkar Madani, Mr Widodo – who is currently without a political party backing him – has no loyal supporters.
“As Mr Widodo’s term comes to an end, political forces are forming new ranks. And in this new lineup, his presence is no longer at the centre. It has been much reduced, considering that Mr Widodo does not have the political power behind him that allows him to negotiate,” said Mr Ray.
Meanwhile, Mr Agung from Trias Politika said that the outgoing president should not leave behind policies that may make it difficult for the Prabowo administration later.
“Mr Widodo should be concerned with whether his policies can be continued by Prabowo or not, and ensure that his populist policies are relevant to the needs of the people,” said Mr Agung.
