Jokowi Taps Ex-Generals Amid Terrorism Threat, China Tensions
- Promotion of Wiranto draws concern about human rights record
- Wiranto and Luhut set to talk tougher on terrorism, China
Joko Widodo with newly appointed Wiranto during an inauguration ceremony in Jakarta on July 27.
Photographer: Adek Berry/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
President Joko Widodo has tapped two men with military backgrounds for key security posts, a move that signals a potentially tougher approach on both terrorism and defending Indonesia’s maritime rights against encroachment by China.
In his second cabinet reshuffle since coming to office less than two years ago, Widodo, known as Jokowi, appointed former military chief Wiranto to one of the most powerful positions in cabinet. The 69-year-old, who goes by one name, becomes coordinating minister for politics, legal and security affairs, replacing Luhut Panjaitan, who moves into the increasingly important maritime affairs role.