Ahok's Comeback As President Commissioner Of Pertamina

Basuki Tjahja Purnama is now the President Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The mystery of Basuki Tjahja Purnama's alias Ahok's position at Pertamina has been answered. State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Minister Erick Thohir confirmed that Ahok was given the task of being the President Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero) replacing Tanri Abeng.

"God willing, it will be broken. Pak Basuki (Tjahaja Purnama) will be the main commissioner of Pertamina," said Erick at the State Palace, Friday, November 22.

Ahok was not the only one who was assigned to Pertamina. Erick also appointed Budi Gunadi Sadikin as Deputy President Commissioner of Pertamina. Budi will be busy helping Ahok's work at the state-owned oil company.

"(Basuki) was accompanied by Pak Wamen (BUMN) Pak Budi Sadikin as deputy chief commissioner," he said.

Apart from the two names above, Erick also offered Emma Sri Martini as the President Director of Telkomsel to become Pertamina's Finance Director. Emma will replace Pahala Nugraha Mansury.

Changing Pahala at Pertamina, continued Erick, was related to his new assignment at PT Bank Tabungan Negara (Persero) Tbk. Pahala will be assisted by Chandra Hamzah as the President Commissioner of BTN.

Erick understands that Ahok's appointment has been rejected by the United Pertamina Workers Union Federation (FSPPB) of PT. Pertamina. According to Erick, it should be seen the figure of people from their work. Erick said the BUMN Ministry should not only streamline but must be competent.

"I think the pros and cons are not only Pak Basuki, I myself have pros and cons, Pak Chandra has pros and cons," he explained.

Moreover, Erik has given Pertamina quite a tough task, namely reducing oil and gas imports and overseeing the process of building an oil refinery. So far, the oil and gas sector is the largest contributor to the trade balance deficit in Indonesia.

"I think that is the most important part of Pertamina, how to reduce oil and gas imports must be achieved, yes, it does not mean anti-import but reduces, the refinery construction processes are very, very heavy," added Erick.

Based on Law Number 19 of 2003 concerning State-Owned Enterprises, the commissioner is in charge of supervising and providing advice to the board of directors in carrying out management activities of the Persero. He is fully responsible for the supervision of BUMN for the interests and goals of BUMN.

Later specifically, Ahok will have the task of arranging the division of tasks among members of the board of commissioners; reviewing long-term plans, work plans and company budgets; preparing the annual work program for the board of commissioners; review the periodic reports and annual reports prepared by the board of directors, and propose to the GMS the appointment of an external auditor who will examine the company's books.

In addition, it is hoped that Ahok's placement as a commissioner for a state-owned company can solve the oil and gas import problem that is burdening Pertamina and Indonesia's trade balance. Indonesia, which imports 800 thousand barrels of oil per day, is the cause of the trade balance deficit of up to US $ 8.57 billion. Therefore, Ahok was also asked to oversee the construction of the infrastructure for oil and gas refineries that are being built until 2022, in order to meet national needs.