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Critics slam lame duck Jokowi’s final state honors for allies
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's decision to bestow the nation's honors and awards on mostly politicians and cabinet ministers has raised questions over the achievements of the awardees as well as political motivation behind the awarding by the outgoing leader.
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Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi (left) talks with NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh (center) and Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita (right) during the state honors awarding ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Aug. 14, 2024. (Antara/Muhammad Adimaja)
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wo months before stepping down from office, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo handed out honors in the annual awarding ceremony around the Independence Day commemoration to dozens of his cabinet ministers and other politicians; a move observers saw as rewarding them for their assistance and services for the outgoing President’s interests.
In a ceremony at the State Palace on Aug. 14, Jokowi awarded a total of 64 individuals with various honors for their service to the state. This year’s awarding ceremony would be the last for the President before his tenure ends in October.
The long list of awardees included NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh, whose relationship with the President warmed after February’s presidential election.
The party chairman-cum-businessman received the Medali Kepeloporan (pioneering medal). According to the 2009 Titles, Honors and Awards Law, the medal is bestowed on an individual for distinguished services in the advancement of the economy, social or other fields and contributing significantly to the development.
The relationship between both politicians was tense during the election, as NasDem was among parties backing former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan. He ran against the eventual winner, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Jokowi’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, with the pair seen to have received the President’s tacit support.
But Surya recently pledged his and his party’s support for the upcoming Prabowo administration.
Read also: Jokowi installs Prabowo loyalists in cabinet shake-up for smooth transition
