Projo Spills Why Jokowi Tapping Prabowo as Defense Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Secretary-general of Pro-Jokowi community or Projo, Handoko, claimed his side had discussed with President Joko Widodo in light of the latter’s decision to invite Gerindra Party chair Prabowo Subianto joining the government coalition. Handoko said it was for the sake of political stability.

“One of the prerequisites for economic development is political stability. And this is really for the nation. It will post risks if our politics are split. This threat is real,” said Handoko at Projo DPP office, Jakarta, Wednesday, October 23.

He recalled that when the rumors were rife, the President only nodded in response to his opinion about Prabowo joining the coalition that might disappoint the supporters.

The prediction came true. At least, several groups of Projo rejected the President’s decision, including the Projo Solo branch that publicly displayed its disappointment. They deemed Joko Widodo prioritized his political rival rather than supporters who had fought for his winning.

Projo Surakarta head, Tego Widarti alias Wiwin, said that the disappointment might affect votes for Joko Widodo’s son Gibran Rakabuming if he runs in Solo mayoral election.

“If Gibran asks us to support him officially, we will review it thoroughly because we don’t want [to be left disappointed] as previously,” said Wiwin today, October 23.

Handoko believed that Prabowo Subianto’s assignment as a Defense Minister would suppress political instability. “We will see the result later,” he said.

FIKRI ARIGI