Erick Thohir to Fire More Garuda Indonesia Directors

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of State-owned Enterprises (SOE), Erick Thohir, said his office would dismiss four other directors of flag carrier Garuda Indonesia. It will be done following the illegal cargo findings in Garuda's newest airbus.

"Based on commissioners' report, there are four directors that will be dismissed," Erick told Tempo at his office, Saturday, December 7.

The minister said there were new findings after meeting with Garuda commissioners this morning. "This is systematic, not only done by one individual. This is what makes me really sad," he said.

Garuda CEO Ari Askhara has previously been removed from his position for his involvement in the illegal cargo smuggling.

Ari was found to be the owner of Harley Davidson bike that was smuggled from France to Jakarta. The Customs office confiscated the bike at Garuda Maintenance Facility on November 17.

Erick said he actually had waited for the person-in-charge to resign but it had yet to happen until he received a report about the case from the commissioners and audit committee.

"It's [done] based on the procedure," Erick said.

The newest commissioners' report said four directors will be discharged from their position today.

Muhammad Hendartyo