Volunteer Jokowi Becomes Commissioner Of BUMN, INDEF: Inwardit And Politics Reply To Budi Is There

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) together with Presidential Spokesman Fadjroel Rahman. (Photo: Setkab)

JAKARTA - State-owned enterprises (BUMN) are back in the spotlight, after three people who had been volunteers for President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) were appointed commissioners of state-owned companies. The position of BUMN commissioner is often seen as a motive for reciprocation.

Executive Director of Indef Tauhid Ahmad said that there were people who were entrusted and political reciprocity. This is because the election of BUMN directors and commissioners is the prerogative of BUMN Minister Erick Thohir.

"The fact is there must be (entrusted). Because there are elements like that (politics of reciprocation), some have entered into BUMN," he said, when contacted by VOI, in Jakarta, Wednesday, October 28.

In fact, the PDI Perjuangan politician Adian Napitupulu has also revealed about BUMN commissioners who are entrusted. He said that around 6,000 people who served as commissioners and directors in all State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) were entrusted people.

Tauhid said, actually it doesn't matter if the entrusted people are appointed to become high-ranking officials in state-owned companies, as long as they have a background that matches the company they are assigned to.

For example, said Tauhid, one of Jokowi's volunteers will be placed in a banking BUMN. So he must have the capacity and knowledge in banking financial economics.

"I think yes (no problem). But if the background has no relationship with the company, it is better not to force it. Later it will make this BUMN difficult. Because BUMN is a business entity whose goal is to make the economy better by generating dividends," he said.

Even so, Tauhid admitted that he would rather agree if the directors and commissioners of BUMN come from professionals. Because, it will have far more thrust.

"The commissioner gives advice, gives input, if the background is not supportive, he is not smarter than the board of directors, it is also difficult for the commissioner. How can he supervise, provide input, if his capacity is below," he explained.

Recently, in just a month, three people who were Jokowi volunteers were appointed commissioners of state-owned companies, namely Eko Sulistyo, Dyah Kartika Rini, and Ulin Yusron.

The three names add to the long list of former Jokowi volunteers who are included in BUMN circles. Previously, names such as Fadjroel Rachman, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), Triawan Munaf to Yenny Wahid had already entered BUMN.

Directors and Commissioners Are Selected Professionally

Regarding BUMN directors and commissioners who are entrusted persons, it has been denied by the Special Staff of the Minister of BUMN Arya Sinulingga. Arya said, the position of commissioner or director is chosen professionally.

Arya also stated that Adian's statement was wrong. This is because a strategic position as a commissioner or director cannot be filled by just anyone, or someone must have a clear track record and have experience in the industry concerned.

According to Arya, BUMN uses a talent pool system to select the right candidates to become directors at BUMN. This talent pool is managed by the Deputy for Human Resources (HR) Alex Denni.

"Here there is such a thing as a BUMN talent pool, so don't be surprised between BUMNs often change, so there, then they are moved here, because this talent pool will be seen by the team, from there see which one is considered suitable for this position. he's a selection, "said Arya, in a virtual discussion, Tuesday, June 17.

Then, continued Arya, after passing the selection for the BUMN talent pool stage, candidates must pass the next stage of selection based on portfolios by representatives of BUMN material.

"The selection is continued in each deputy minister based on portfolios, our deputy minister has a portfolio. Those who are selected, the minister will see whether the company is strategic or not," he explained.

If the company is strategic, said Arya, then the name will also be chosen by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The strategic SOEs in question are PT Pertamina (Persero), PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) or PLN, and several banks.

"If strategic, it reaches the top level up to the president. This rule has been a long time since the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)," he said.

Likewise, BUMN Minister Erick Thohir said that the selection of directors and commissioners of a number of state-owned companies also followed several processes, so that according to him, transparency would be guaranteed.

"This is interesting. We have a process for selecting directors and commissioners. One, there is an assessment process that must be followed. Examples of directors and commissioners must be moral. But here we also include directors and commissioners who have to understand digital leadership, global business safety, customer focus. , and building a strategic partnership, "he said on Thursday, 18 June 2020

In addition, Erick said, candidates for directors and commissioners must uphold the principles of good corporate governance. Not only that, holders of positions in BUMN companies must also have good relationships with related institutions in addition to presenting current market needs.

"So apart from being tested and following the previous procedure. We also add a new procedure, because good corporate governance is important. It is impossible for BUMN Karya to not have a relationship with Pak Basuki at PUPR, it is not possible. Now this is what we are trying to confirm," he said.