Leave The Position Of Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources To Bahlil, Arifin Tasrif: Congratulations!

JAKARTA - The latest Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia carried out a handover procession with the previous Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif.

It is known that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has just appointed Bahlil as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources at the Merdeka Palace this morning, Monday, August 19.

In his remarks, Arifin congratulated the latest Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and thanked all levels of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for working together for the last 5 years.

"We congratulate Mr. Bahlil Lahadalia," said Arifin in his remarks at the Secretariat General Building of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Monday, August 19.

Arifin also conveyed a number of challenges faced by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources during his tenure.

Arifin said, in the midst of oil and gas consumption growth, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is faced with a decline in domestic oil production and has made efforts to find new sources and make efforts to optimize existing sources by utilizing technology and experiences.

"Then we also strive for policy improvements so that investment attraction in the upstream oil and gas sector becomes competitive. In addition, steps need to be taken to increase efficiency so that we can repeat imports and reduce subsidy burdens," he said.

Arifin also mentioned the development of oil and gas infrastructure that will connect from Sumatra to the eastern part of Java Island which is targeted to operate in 2028.

Not only that, he also warned about cross-border carbom mechanisms that had already been implemented in several countries.

"We must be aware of this because several countries have taken the initiative to provide taxes on carbon," continued Arifin.

At the end of his speech, Arifin congratulated Bahlil and asked all levels of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to provide assistance for the rest of Bahlil's tenure at ESDM which is less than the next two months.

"We believe that under the leadership of the ESDM sector, we can achieve a better performance. At the same time, I say goodbye and apologize if in carrying out my duties here there are many things that are less permanent," concluded Arifin.