TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – State oil company PT Pertamina 's performance will not be affected by Karen Agustiawan's resignation, company management says. Pertamina spokesman Ali Mundakir said the SOE's current system is running well, and the directors have "laid down the bases and foundations of the company's roadmap," he said yesterday.

This system, Ali said, will make things easier for anyone who will be the company's next leader. Ali said sure Karen will still have controlover the company until October 1. "After that, shareholders will hold a general meeting to discuss her resignation. The schedule will be determined by commissioners and shareholders," he said.

Karen became Pertamina president director on February 5, 2009 replacing Ari H. Soemarno. Her term should have expired on February 5, 2014, but SOE Minister Dahlan Iskan extended it until 2018.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Susilo Siswoutomo said it will be business as usual for Pertamina despite Karen's resignation. The company's activities will continue to run according to plan. "Pertamina's work continues, nothing will be 'vacuum'," said Susilo, who is also a Pertamina commissioner.

Susilo further added that the government's refusal to raise the price of the 12-kilogram LPG cylinder is not related to Karen's resignation.

FAIZ NASHRILLAH | AYU PRIMA SANDI