Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) victory in the 2014 presidential election was celebrated as it represented a major step forward for democracy in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. Jokowi’s rise to power was unprecedented. It was largely the collective effort of volunteers and a strong social media presence, which helped overcome his humble persona and highlight credible achievements during his term as mayor of Solo and Governor of Jakarta. This inspired high expectations that he would be able to enact much-needed political and economic reforms as president.

But these expectations lost momentum as the new leader struggled to navigate a political system dominated by party oligarchs and the military. Jokowi’s own party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), managed to constrict his room for manoeuvre, as was evident in the selection of candidates for ministerial posts in his first Cabinet. Continued infighting within his first Cabinet further compromised the efficacy of the Jokowi administration. Without a military background, his unfamiliarity with party politics in the country and a hostile opposition-led parliament conspired to pose considerable obstacles for Jokowi’s presidency.

Yet Jokowi’s astute political manoeuvrings has allowed him to gradually gain the support and trust of the public as battles with entrenched interests continue. It is in light of these challenges and obstacles that Jokowi’s political decisions, including the July 2016 Cabinet reshuffle, must be understood.

… Emirza Adi Syailendra is a Research Analyst with the Indonesia Programme of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.