Negative suspicions frequently plagued his digital footprint. However, beneath the coalition’s rug, he held all the keys to orchestrating national politics.
By: Firdaus *)
The gates of the mansion were always bustling, but everything was subject to the conductor’s beat. When the conversation in the coffee shop began to turn to rumors of “the shadow of his ex,” a big question loomed large on the discussion table: “Why did Don Dasco have to be Minister of Home Affairs?”
An old friend, with a furrowed brow, hurriedly handed over his cell phone, demanding a reexamination of the figure’s digital footprint.
The accusations circulating online were indeed boisterous, like ripples of opinion without a source. On the political stage, vague accusations often evaporate like morning dew—like the clamor of Amien Rais’ accusations against Tedy, which faded away with time.
However, in the jungle of Jakarta politics, rumors are more than mere figments. They are the code word for shifting power.
Behind the solid walls of the Gerindra Party, the man whose full name is Sufmi Dasco Ahmad is more than just the Daily Chairman.
Internally, he is known as “Don,” often identified as the figure who controls the political machine. Among press and intelligence activists, Don is also known by the nickname “General Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
Analysis by sources within his inner circle suggests one extreme scenario: if a political storm blows and President Prabowo Subianto dies, Dasco is the most logical figure to stand at the doorstep of power, accompanying Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. This means that Don Dasco is worthy of the position of Vice President, let alone Minister of Home Affairs. Should Prabowo live beyond the 2029 election, Don Dasco would also be capable of orchestrating a second Prabowo-Gibran victory.
As a parameter, Don’s hidden power did not arise from a vacuum. His influence is deeply embedded in various crucial sectors:
First, from the legal aspect; As a former Deputy Chairman of the Council’s Ethics Court (MKD) and an alumnus of Commission III, he is close to high-ranking law enforcement officials.
Second, party structure. As daily chairman, his network of instructions extends from the Central Executive Board (DPP) down to regional branch administrators.
Third, activist network. Don is adept at collaborating with a cross-generational network of activists and the labor movement to quell street demonstrations.
Fourth, the corporate sector. Within corporations, his influence has infiltrated strategic positions within various State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN).
Fifth, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR). His position as DPR leader allows him to easily secure and smooth the way for all strategic palace policies.
Sixth, mass media. Don’s persuasive relationships with editors-in-chief, and his structural placement of the LPP Supervisory Board (Board of Supervisors) and BUMN commissioners within journalist organizations, ensure his political narratives often receive a favorable platform in the eyes of the press.
Seventh, business. His background as a former director of various security companies and law firms provides him with a solid logistical base to drive the coalition’s tactical efforts.
Eighth, cadre development. With various resources, Don was able to orchestrate the young cadres within the Hambalang circle, which the President was preparing to welcome Indonesia Emas 2045. This youth group, popularly known as the Satria Jedi (Jedi Satria), which later metamorphosed into the Hambalang Boys, served as Don’s primary anchor in orchestrating the President’s agenda of connecting with various groups.
Ninth, he was never a suspect; to date, the negative allegations in Don Dasco’s digital footprint have never been legally proven. Without a judge’s gavel, this “Don Kancil” from Senayan continues to walk free, holding all the keys to orchestrating the republic in his pocket.
*) The author is the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Cyber Media Union – SMSI
