Gibran Resigns, Is a Prabowo-Megawati Reconnection on the Horizon?

For instance, if Puan Maharani’s name is put forward from PDI-P, this would undoubtedly lead to political bargaining for further ministerial positions between the powers and PDI-P.

Proposing Puan Maharani as a vice-presidential candidate would also influence ministerial roles of other large political parties, such as Golkar.

Especially if those political parties are branded as “less than sterile” and affiliated with Jokowi.

Consolidation of Power and Strength

President Prabowo will have a daunting post-political turmoil task ahead, following the upheaval that has gripped the republic in the past month.

This task is named consolidation of strength and power. In reality, the process of consolidation currently unfolding is far more complex than the previous mechanisms employed.

However, perhaps this moment will serve as a stepping stone for long-term continuity.

Five-year cycles teach us that the third year is the final opportunity for the ruling regime to meet its political promises, or at least to demonstrate that achievements meet satisfactory indices for presentation in future electoral contests.

Consequently, consolidating power at the parliamentary and cabinet levels is non-negotiable for President Prabowo today.

The consolidation of power and strength is projected to operate on two fronts—parliamentary and executive.

At the parliamentary level, framing PDI-P within the power map would be a strategic move for President Prabowo to garner support and legitimize policies.

Non-sterile elements can be eliminated through the inclusion of a new force that holds the most seats in parliament.

At the cabinet level, power consolidation will be executed through a thorough cleansing process.

Only political forces that are sterile and loyal will be permitted to stand alongside the ruling regime today.

Additionally, there are two footnotes that must not escape President Prabowo's attention.

First, normalizing the National Police by reducing the number of ministers from law enforcement backgrounds in the cabinet for the future professionalism of the police.

Second, implementing political meritocracy for the supporting parties that have remained loyal to the ruling powers and have never caused disturbance.