According to the Honors and Awards Law, Bintang Mahaputera medals are bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated distinguished services in various fields that contribute significantly to the state and the nation’s development, welfare and prosperity.

Both seasoned politicians, Fadli and Fahri, were known as outspoken opposition figures and critics of Jokowi's policies during the President’s first term.

Fadli, who is currently still serving as a lawmaker in the House for the 2019-2024 period, is deputy chairman of the Gerindra Party, a party in Jokowi’s coalition that was part of the government opposition before the 2019 general election.  

He was known as an influential student activist during his undergraduate years at the University of Indonesia (UI). He entered the national political scene following his appointment as a member of the People’s Representatives Assembly (MPR) representing the youth between 1997 and 1999.

“Despite challenges and conflicts, we have carried out our duties according to the Constitution,” Fadli said on Monday, assuming the President was considering his success in leading the House in 2014 to 2019.

Fahri, who has parted ways with the opposition Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and is no longer a lawmaker, also said he might be honored because of his service at the House.    

“According to the notification from the House, our appointment was made because we were a part of the House leadership,” he said.

Having served as a lawmaker for 15 years, Fahri started his political career as an MPR member during the transition period from former president BJ Habibie to former president Abdurahman "Gus Dur" Wahid in early 2000s. The former student activist is also popular for his Twitter wit.

Indonesia Political Review executive director Ujang Komarudin saw the medals as the government’s attempt to compromise with its critics.

"The government wants the political climate to be more productive, especially now that both Fadli and Fahri seem to have gotten closer to the government," he said.

Ujang added that less criticism could also affect public perception ahead of the 2020 regional elections, in which several children of people in power, including Jokowi and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, are running for office.

“Fadli’s party is already in the government coalition and we’ve seen Fahri approaching the government through [a new political party] recently,” he said, referring to Fahri’s visit to the State Palace on July 20.

Read also: Jokowi’s power consolidation buries outspoken opposition

Fadli and Fahri have been absent from the public sphere after Jokowi consolidated power at the beginning of his second term last year, effectively reducing the opposition in the House by over a third. They are no longer as vocal as before, despite still making public appearances and remaining active on social media.

UI political observer Cecep Hidayat said there was nothing unusual about awarding the medals to Fadli and Fahri as it did not violate any regulations, noting that the move would not have a significant impact on them.

“It’s not like giving away seats in the government. The medals are a symbol of appreciation for Fadli’s and Fahri's roles [as lawmakers].”

Cecep also believes that Fadli and Fahri would not be silenced after receiving the medals.

“It seems highly unlikely that they will shut their mouths just because of the medals.”

Presidential Secretariat head Heru Budi Hartono said the office had gone through the proper procedures in awarding the medals, which included verifying the recipients’ achievements and contributions.

The President also awarded the Bintang Jasa Utama, the first class of the Bintang Jasa, to six recipients, namely former House of Representatives speaker Bambang Soesatyo of the Golkar Party, MPR deputy speakers Ahmad Basarah of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and Ahmad Muzani of the Gerindra Party, as well as former House deputy speaker Utut Adianto of the PDI-P.