TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rumors were rife that four directors of national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will reportedly be fired today, December 9, by the board of commissioners.

“The board of commissioners has officially discharged four directors and appointed four acting directors, including operations director and technical director,” as widespread reports said.

Tempo’s source confirmed the information yet refused his statement to be quoted.

The four directors were identified as Director of Cargo and Business Development Mohammad Iqbal, Operations Director Bambang Adisurya Angkasa, Human Capital Director Heri Akhyar, and Technical and Service Director Iwan Joeniarto. They allegedly helped former CEO Ari Askhara smuggle illegal cargo.

State-owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir last weekend revealed that the corporate's commissioners were set to dismiss four directors of the state-owned airline firm as they were suspected of helping Ari smuggle a disassembled Harley Davidson motorcycle and Brompton bicycles.

Minister Erick fired Ari Askhara on December 5 for being caught smuggling one unit of motorcycle worth Rp800 million and two folding bicycle units worth Rp50 million in the airline cabin from France on November 17.

Tempo has tried to ask for confirmation regarding the dismissal of the four directors to Garuda Indonesia president commissioner Sahala Lumban Gaol, independent commissioner Chairal Tanjung, and vice corporate secretary Ikhsan Rosan, as well as acting director Fuad Rizal and commerce director Pikri Ilham. However, they have not responded to Tempo’s call.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA