The Polemic Of KAI's President Director Candidate, Rudi Asaturridha: Integrity And Professionalism Are In The Spotlight

Rudi Asaturridha (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - President Director of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) (KAI), Didiek Hartantyo, is rumored to be entering retirement soon. Several names have begun to be mentioned as potential replacements, one of which is Rudi Asaturridha, who now serves as Director of Business and Institutional Development of PT KAI.

However, Rudi's candidacy has drawn the spotlight. Since serving as director on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Rudi has never reported the State Administrators Wealth Report (LHKPN), as required by SOE Minister Erick Thohir. In addition, Rudi's track record during his career at PT KAI is considered to have not shown any significant achievements.

Public Policy Observer Yanuar Wijanarko also gave his views. He considered Rudi's non-compliance with reporting LHKPN as a sign of integrity that needed to be questioned.

"If he does not comply with reporting LHKPN, then it is clear that he is not worthy of being a candidate for President Director of KAI. The order of the Minister of SOEs is firm that all directors, board of commissioners, and structural officials in SOEs are required to report LHKPN," said Yanuar, Friday, January 10.

According to Yanuar, integrity is an important key in choosing a leader in BUMN. Disobedience in reporting LHKPN, he said, could open up space for corrupt practices that have a negative impact on the company.

"If the candidate for the President Director of KAI does not have integrity, the company will stagnate and even experience setbacks. My suggestion, Mr. Erick should not choose Rudi," he said.

Yanuar added that a fit and proper test is not enough to measure a person's integrity. The Fit and proper test only lasts two to three hours. It's not enough to understand the character and integrity of candidates deeply," he explained.

He emphasized that integrity can be judged from the track records and confessions of the people around the candidate. Yanuar also mentioned the importance of avoiding potential leaders who have been involved in problems with ministries or other parties related to public positions.

Yanuar hopes that the Minister of SOEs will choose a KAI leader who truly has integrity and professionalism in the railway sector. "There are still many Indonesians who have professional leadership skills in the railway field. Don't choose people with doubtful track records," he said.

He also strongly criticized the existence of political intervention or external force in the election of public officials in BUMN. People who do not have integrity should not be promoted, despite political pressure. It will only harm the company from within," concluded Yanuar.

With Didiek Hartantyo's retirement getting closer, the public is waiting for the SOE Minister's decision to choose the right person to lead KAI in the future.