TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When he spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of echelon 1 and 2 officials at his office last week, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said repeated his complaint, namely regarding one of his staff by the name of Said Didu. He apparently did not get the position of director-general of minerals and coal following the ministry's recent reorganization, following the final evaluation by a team headed by President Joko Widodo himself. "Yet Said Didu was ranked at the top," said Sudirman.

He recently met with Tempo at his office. He said he respected the president's prerogative but asked that he be allowed to reorganize his team again if the results failed to produce the expected results.

Why was Said Didu, who got top rating in the selection process, not chosen?

This is the president's discretion. There were some specific considerations. My job is to present and explain why he was the top candidate. We must respect his decision. I believe that whoever is selected is good as the other out of the 15 people pre-selected. If discretion is used without using the correct procedure, now that would be a problem.

Is it true the president received a negative report on Said Didu from the State Intelligence Agency (BIN)?

He never said anything of that sort, never even mentioned BIN. He did not raise the Financial Transactions Reporting and Analysis Center (PPATK).

Did the president explain his discretionary prerogative?

The president explained his considerations and I think they were wise. Perhaps, besides the submission of the candidate by the minister, he received additional advice. That's why he chose differently, which we must respect. I still argue that compared to others, Said Didu is a strong candidate, especially when he faces future challenges. That's why if the selected person doesn't work out later, I asked that I be allowed to submit another name.

So this current one can be changed later on?

We have our preferences. Perhaps we overlooked this person's failing. I open the possibility of replacements if we need to change [in the future].

Did the president approve?

It's a logical request.

This is not about challenging the president?

Challenging means if I refuse to accept it. I accepted the decision.

So, what was the reason for choosing Wiratmaja for the position of oil and gas director-general?

In the end, we aimed for balance. Husen (former Pertamina director) is very strong in the field of practicalities and corporation, but in the area of policy-making, he was not a strong as Wirat. He has begun to be accepted internally and this is an important factor because the oil and gas sector needs urgent improvement. Wirat has identified members of his team, who share his values, integrity and competence. He has been well-accepted by the stakeholders, an important point just like in parliament. This ministry needs many spokesmen, speaking to campuses and associations. When someone like Wirat speaks, we are sure that he's in control of the issue, particularly since he has been the minister's expert staff, so he can see problems in a holistic way.

Some people say Wiratmaja is (former mining minister) Jero Wacik's man.

I try hard to minimize using such labels, which can be neutralized by competence and integrity. Does being close mean carrying the agenda of that particular person? Of course not.

Before Wirat was decided on as the oil and gas director-general, there were reports Husen would be selected. Even invitations to his launching were reportedly sent out.

No decision had been made, let alone invitations to launches. The president's decision did not mention Pak Husen. People may have aspirations, hopes. As if they can make it happen.

In the case of the oil and gas director-general, there were no differences with the president?

There were no preferences. In general, he had no particular preference for anyone, because he trusts his minister.

Is it true the vice president was not consulted in the final evaluation?

He was present. (*)