Bans BUMN Campaign Bosses, Erick Thohir: According To The Law

SOE Minister Erick Thohir. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir forbade bosses and employees of state-owned companies to participate in campaigns in the 2024 general election (Pemilu).

If anyone is included in the campaign team, they must resign.

This prohibition is contained in Circular (SE) Number S-560/S.MBU/10/2023 concerning the Involvement of the Board of Directors, Board of Commissioners/Supervisory Board and Employees of the State-Owned Enterprises Group in the Implementation of General Elections, Regional Head Voters, and/or as Political Party Managers or Regional Head Officials and Deputy Regional Heads. The SE was issued on October 27, 2023.

"If you enter the campaign team, you have to step down, we have to remind you. Because of the rules, the law (forbids campaigns)," he said when met at the Ministry of SOEs, Jakarta, Thursday, November 9.

Therefore, Erick also appreciated Muhammad Arief Rosyid Hasan for deciding to resign as commissioner of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI).

"I certainly appreciate it as there is a circular letter from Mr. Sesmen that the commissioners or directors who want to campaign are not allowed. There are rules, laws," he said.

Erick said he respected Arief Rosyid's decision. He said he would look for a replacement for Arief to fill the position of commissioner of BSI.

In fact, said Erick, not only Arief Rosyid who declared his resignation as a commissioner. Erick said that many commissioners also chose to resign at this time.

"Indeed, he chose I have to respect. That's why we will look for a change in commissioners. Indeed, it's not only Arief Rosyid's brother, many commissioners have resigned, I'm still doing data," he said.