Budi Gunadi Appointed As Minister Of Health, Erick Thohir Feeling Losing A Discussion Friend

JAKARTA - State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Minister Erick Thohir welcomed the appointment of Budi Gunadi Sadikin as Minister of Health. However, Erick admitted that he had lost the figure of a discussion partner, because previously Budi was Deputy Minister of BUMN I.

Erick also expressed his gratitude for Budi's cooperation and contribution while accompanying him to lead the Ministry of BUMN and encourage transformation in the pharmaceutical and health industry cluster.

"Thank you Pak Budi Gunadi Sadikit for 1 year and 2 months working with me as deputy Minister of BUMN I at the Ministry of BUMN. As a colleague, I am missing a person who is fun to discuss to strengthen BUMN," he wrote, in his personal Instagaram, quoted Thursday, December 24th.

Despite losing the figure of a co-worker like Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Erick said he was happy with Budi's appointment as Minister of Health. This is because the appointment is a good thing considering the government's planned COVID-19 vaccination program.

"He has the competence in realizing the success of the COVID-19 vaccination program. God willing, he is trustworthy, able to lead and accelerate our progress in restoring health and ending the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

Erick conveyed that the Ministry of BUMN and state-owned pharmaceutical and health companies are ready to strengthen support for the Ministry of Health in handling COVID-19. Because efforts to fight the pandemic cannot be done alone, but it requires the support and cooperation of all parties.

"Let us work together to make the vaccination program successful, and continue to strengthen the discipline of health protocols," he said.

The position of deputy minister of SOEs left by Budi Gunadi has also been replaced by Pahala Nugraha Mansury. Where, Budi Gunadi Sadikin was officially inaugurated as Minister of Health on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 by President Joko Widodo, at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta.