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Lecture Abstract

Upon his inauguration in 2014, President Joko Widodo “Jokowi” had stressed that the sea and its archipelagic water lanes were key in revitalizing Indonesia’s political, economic and cultural identity as a ‘maritime state’. A new doctrine called the ‘global maritime axis’ (poros maritim dunia) was thus conceived. To achieve its mandate of pursuing development as a strong maritime nation, President Jokowi has introduced many reform initiatives to advance its progress particularly in the economic realm. However, new challenges abound, especially in the area of security. In May 2018, a series of terror acts occurred in Indonesia, from a prison riot at a police headquarters in Depok, West Java, to suicide bombings on three churches in Surabaya, East Java.  Such developments have forced Indonesia to revise its Anti-Terrorism Law strengthening the authority of the state apparatus to act against terrorism. President Jokowi has also reinstated the formerly suspended Koopsgubgab, a joint force of the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) three anti-terror units, to assist the National Police (POLRI) during crisis conditions. These have highlighted efforts to enhance interoperability between TNI and POLRI in counter terrorism operations. Approaching the Regional Elections held in 2018 and the General Election in 2019, what are the challenges faced by the Jokowi Administration?

General (Ret.) Dr. Moeldoko, Presidential Chief of Staff for President Joko Widodo will share his thoughts and insights focusing not only on the achievements of President Joko Widodo’s Administration but also the new challenges faced by the Administration in securing Indonesia’s vast archipelago.

About the Speaker

Born in Kediri, 8 July 1957, General (Ret) Dr Moeldoko graduated from the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy (AKABRI) in 1981. He holds a Masters and a Doctoral Degree from the Faculty of Social and Political Science (FISIP) at the University of Indonesia (UI).

General (Ret.) Dr. Moeldoko currently serves as the Presidential Chief of Staff for President Joko Widodo. He was previously the Commander in Chief of the National Armed Forces (2013-2015) and the Army Chief of Staff in 2013. In his military career, Moeldoko was appointed Army Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy Governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) among others. In 2013, General (Ret.) Moeldoko received the prestigious Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Meritorious Service Medal) from the Singapore government in recognition of his significant contributions of forging close relations between the Indonesian and Singapore Armed Forces.

Following his retirement, General (Ret.) Dr. Moeldoko was selected as the General Chairman of the Indonesian Farmer’s Reconciliation Association (HKTI). He also an active member of the People’s Conscience Party (Partai Hanura) and serves as the Deputy Head of its Advisory Council.