Mayapada Group Boss Dato Sri Tahir to Be Named Jokowi's Advisor

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo reportedly will announce the names of the Presidential Advisory Council today, December 13.

“As noted in the invitation letter, the inauguration of the council by the President will be held today at 02:40 p.m. at State Palace,” the president’s spokesman Fadjroel Rachman confirmed on Friday, December 13.

Several names have been rumored among the public, starting from former coordinating minister Wiranto, PDIP politician Sidarto Danusubroto, a Muslim cleric from Pekalongan Muhammad Luthfi Bin Yahya, Golkar politician Agung Laksono, up to Mayapada Group leader Dato Sri Tahir.

When asked for confirmation, Tahir did not give a clear answer, yet said he will be present at Jakarta Palace today. “Do you think I am qualified [for the position]? If you do, we will meet later. Just wait, inshallah,” Dato Sri Tahir told Tempo.

Earlier reports suggested that Hanura Party chair Oesman Sapta Odang or commonly called Oso was also offered the position. However, after meeting with State Secretary Minister today, he said he rejected the idea.

Oso said he was hampered by the prohibition of having double positions and claimed he would continue raising the party. "Because of the requirements, I decided to temporarily stay with my friends [at Hanura party]. But, the cabinet fully supports President [Jokowi] in this government," Oso said.

FRISKI RIANA