Jokowi’s Javanese power play has Prabowo in face-off with an old army nemesis
- President raised eyebrows by naming his rival as defence minister, but he also appointed Fachrul Razi – who dismissed Prabowo from the army 21 years ago
- Analysts say Fachrul’s appointment as religious affairs minister reflects the security aspect of his role, as the country grapples with rising radicalism
Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s appointment of former general Prabowo Subianto to his cabinet has dominated global headlines amid criticism from human rights groups, but just as significant is the president’s inclusion of Fachrul Razi – the man who dismissed Prabowo from the military 21 years ago.
Retired general Fachrul, 72, has been named minister of religious affairs. He was the deputy chairman of an officers’ council that in 1998 discharged Prabowo for ordering the abduction of pro-democracy activists, some of whom remain missing.
Prabowo’s appointment has left some supporters of Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, unimpressed. But the leader is believed to have been under pressure from certain segments of his inner circle to bring his arch-rival into the fold.
For the 58-year-old president – who hails from Solo, the historic royal capital of Central Java – the appointment of the two army men is seen as a masterful and very Javanese power play of balancing friends, foes and different interests within his coalition.