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.