Critics slam lame duck Jokowi’s final state honours for allies

Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi (left) talks with NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh (centre) and Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita (right) during the state honours awarding ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta on Aug 14, 2024. - Antara

JAKARTA: Two months before stepping down from office, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo handed out honours in the annual awarding ceremony around the Independence Day commemoration to dozens of his cabinet ministers and other politicians; a move observers saw as rewarding them for their assistance and services for the outgoing President’s interests.

In a ceremony at the State Palace on Aug 14, Jokowi awarded a total of 64 individuals with various honours for their service to the state. This year’s awarding ceremony would be the last for the President before his tenure ends in October.