Jokowi Removed Luhut, Replaced By Syahrul Yasin Limpo

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. (Photo: Instagram @ luhut, pandjaitan)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has appointed Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo to replace the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan as Ad Interim Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

Previously, Luhut admitted that he did not want to be a replacement for Edhy Prabowo for too long to lead the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. This is because he has a lot of work.

Regarding Syahrul's appointment, this was revealed in the Letter of the Minister of State Secretary Number B-918 / M.Sesneg / D-3 / AN.00.03 / 12/2020 dated December 2, 2020. In which the letter was addressed to Syahrul.

"We respectfully inform you that the President (Jokowi) is pleased to appoint the Minister of Agriculture to replace the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment as the Ad Interim Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries," said State Secretary Pratikno, in the letter, quoted by VOI, Wednesday, December 2.

Pratikno also explained that Syahrul's appointment was motivated by a letter from the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment number B-3863 / MARVES / MARITIM / RT.01.00 / XI / 2020 dated 22 November 2020.

"In essence, (Luhut) asked the President for permission to take an official trip abroad on December 2-10, 2020," he said.

When confirmed, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Antam Novambar confirmed the information regarding Luhut's planned work visit.

"(Correct), Pak Luhut is on assignment to overseas (overseas)," said Antam.

For your information, on November 26, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan was appointed by President Joko Widodo to become the interim Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Luhut temporarily replaces Edhy Prabowo who resigned from his position as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries because he was a suspect at the KPK.

Currently, the permanent position of Minister of KKP is still vacant after Edhy Prabowo resigned on Thursday, November 26. Edhy resigned because he was caught in a case of alleged corruption in the export of lobster seeds. Edhy was secured by the KPK after on an official visit from the United States. He was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Wednesday, November 25 in the morning, along with his wife, Iis Rosita Dewi, and 17 other people.