TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PDIP secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said that his party would not restrict State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir from appointing his cadre Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP), known as Ahok, to lead a state firm.

“He should not have to resign [from the party] because a party member can be assigned [as an SOE leader] based on his professional performance. What important is, the party can ensure there will be no conflict of interests,” said Hasto in a written statement, Tuesday, November 19.

Hasto hoped the public should not have to worry that the former Jakarta governor’s assignment would have a conflict of interest. “Moreover, it is Pak Ahok, who could order him something for short-term interest, closed interest?” he added.

Rumors were rife that BTP would join a state-owned enterprise after he made into Erick’s invitation last Wednesday. During the meeting which lasted for about one and a half hours, he claimed to have talked of SOEs.

Before leaving the ministry building, Basuki said that he was offered to work in a state-owned enterprise and accepted it. However, he did not know which SOE was chosen for him.

The House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VI member, Achmad Baidowi, reminded that SOEs must be free of political parties. So he urged Basuki to step down from PDIP.

“He also has to explain to the public that past polemics in Jakarta had been cleared so that it will not spark suspicious anymore,” said the PPP secretary in a written statement, Wednesday, November 13.

DEWI NURITA