Controversy For Oil While Campaigning For His Son, Minister Of Trade Zulhas Immediately Called Commission VI

Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan (Photo via Ministry of Trade)

JAKARTA - Commission VI of the DPR has scheduled a summons for the Minister of Trade (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan, as a result of the controversy over the distribution of free oil at the Lampung cheap market. This is because, despite Zulhas' capacity as General Chair of PAN at party events, his position is still attached to that of the Minister of Trade. Moreover, the oil distributed is made by the Ministry of Trade. This is exacerbated by campaigning for his son who will run in the 2024 Pilleg.

Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the DPR, Sarmuji, said that Zulhas' summons were not only specifically related to the polemic of distributing cooking oil while campaigning for children. However, he continued, there are many other agendas that must be discussed with Zulhas. One of them is related to food prices.

"The House of Representatives Commission VI will indeed schedule to summon the Trade Minister but not specifically because of the event," said Sarmuji to reporters, Wednesday, July 13. "We have a lot of agendas that we have to talk about, especially regarding food prices and digital asset trading regulations," he continued.

Regarding Zulhas' action in the cheap market, Sarmuji admitted that he did not care. Because he said, President Jokowi had reminded Zulhas to focus on working according to his duties, functions, and principal in the government.

"I think that's enough because the President has conveyed his message so that the Trade Minister will focus on his duties," said the Golkar politician.

Even so, Sarmuji did not rule out the possibility that there would still be attention on Zulhas' action in the upcoming meeting with the Minister of Trade.

"Many members of Commission VI have conveyed messages via the media, including me. I'm sure Mr. Zulhas has read it. But it is possible that, if you meet the Minister of Trade, there will still be those who pay attention," he concluded.