Solo Gang

The Solo Gang is noted by observers as Joko Widodo's strategy to consolidate his armed forces and police network, particularly before and after elections.

Neta stated that Nana's appointment as Jakarta's police chief was due to his relationship with Joko Widodo rather than his merits.

[4][5] A notable exception to this is Mohamad Tony Harjono, the air force chief of staff who was identified as a member of the Solo Gang, despite serving in Adi Soemarmo only after Joko Widodo had become president.

[4] A similar pattern could be observed nearing the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, in which Joko Widodo's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka ran as vice president.

Joko Widodo assigned his Solo Gang's men to positions in Central Java's (Indonesia's largest province by population) government, military, and police.

Presidential chief of staff Moeldoko refuted allegations regarding the existence Solo Gang and emphasized that appointments made by Joko Widodo are based on talent scouting rather than personal affiliations.

[21] Nasdem Party MP Ahmad Sahroni stated that the allegations that Solo Gang members were placed in strategic positions is unfounded.

Surakarta police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo , mayor Joko Widodo , and military district commander Widi Prasetijono signing a document on government agency synchronization in 2012.
Listyo Sigit Prabowo (right) in 2015 as the aide-de-camp of President Joko Widodo (left)
Agus Subiyanto as the Surakarta military district commander, 2009
Widi Prasetijono (back), Joko Widodo's aide-de-camp, guarding Widodo (front) in a parade after his first inauguration.
President-elect of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, and the outgoing president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, at Widodo's inauguration in 2014. Widi Prasetijono and Mohamad Tony Harjono could be seen standing behind Joko Widodo.