Wishnutama Vows to Avert Conflicts of Interest with Hary Tanoe

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Wishnutama Kusubandio pledged to prevent conflicts of interest with Hary Tanoesoedibjo in the tendering process held by his ministry, given the businessman’s daughter, Angela Tanoesoedibjo, served as his deputy.

Tama answered briefly when asked whether the ministry would still accept Hary Tanoe’s tenders or involvement. "We will abide by regulations," said the minister during a dialogue on the national creative economy in Jakarta, Thursday, November 7.

However, the former CEO of Net TV stopped short of detailing the preventive measures he would apply and claimed there would be new measures. "I will definitely prevent it at all costs," he remarked.

Angela Tanoesoedibjo was assigned as Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. She was appointed along with other deputy ministers including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar and Deputy Minister of SOE Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

Before becoming a deputy minister, Angela filled several positions in companies incorporated in a media firm owned by her father, Media Nusantara Citra (MNC) Group. She had served as Media Director of MNC Group, Deputy Director of Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI), and Deputy Director of Global TV (GTV).

As for her political career, Angela was listed as a legislative candidate of the House of Representatives (DPR) from the Perindo Party in the East Java electoral district in 2019. The party was founded by her father.

On Saturday, October 26, Wishnutama conveyed his views on Angela. "She has the same background as mine, and I thought it would really help me in many ways, such as to exchange ideas,” he said.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO