Jokowi Agrees on Ahok's Appointment at SOE: Special Staffer

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister's special staffer, Arya Sinulingga, was reluctant to detail the issue on the appointment of former governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok as a high-ranking official at state gas and oil firm Pertamina.

Arya asked the press to wait until the announcement. "You will see later," he said when contacted on Wednesday, November 13.

According to Arya, Basuki had stressed his willingness to join a state company to meet the goal to serve the Indonesian people. "Pak Ahok is ready to serve the country," he added.

Arya further explained the appointment had been consulted with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and approved.

He opined that the former governor is suitable to clinch a seat in SOE as he was experienced as a private entrepreneur and acknowledged the bureaucratic realm and public service. “Because SOEs are not merely seeking profits but also doing public service.”

Therefore, Arya ensured there would not be a second meeting since the discussion between SOE Minister and Basuki regarding the position at SOE.

When meeting at the SOE Ministry office in Jakarta, Ahok said he was ready to be involved in managing SOEs. "For the sake of the nation, the country, I am certainly ready," he remarked.

During the meeting with SOE Minister Erick Thohir for about one and a half hours, Ahok claimed he would be involved in serving in one of the SOEs, yet stopped short of mentioning the position.

EKO WAHYUDI l ANTARA