Andi Amran Tepis Jadi Mentan Kabinet Prabowo Karena Haji Isam

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman when delivering a statement at the Jakarta Presidential Palace complex, Wednesday (23/10/2024). ANTARA/Andi Firdaus

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that his career in the Red and White Cabinet was based on the track record of a professional who had provided benefits to the Indonesian people.

This was conveyed by Amran in response to criticism from netizens that his involvement in the Prabowo-Gibran cabinet was motivated by the kinship factor with a wealthy businessman from Kalimantan, Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad alias Haji Isam.

"We are professionals, we are professionals. This minister is not only now, right? 2014 too right?" Amran, who once held the position of Minister of Agriculture for the 2014-2019 period, at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, Wednesday, October 23, was confiscated by Antara.

Mahaputera Star Adipradana from the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in 2020, also presented the Agricola Medal award from The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) which was received by Jokowi on August 30, 2024.

The Agriculola Medal award is the highest award given by FAO to individuals who make outstanding contributions in the field of food and agriculture.

The Agriculola Medal was prepared directly by the FAO Headquarters in Rome featuring a photo carving of President Jokowi and the slogan 'Stronger Together for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems'.

"Medali Agriculola is an award for food security for Indonesia, it is the highest in the world," he said.

In his career, Amran has also won a Satyalancana Kebangunan Honorary Certificate in the Field of Agricultural Entrepreneurship from the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2007.

"Professional or not? I ask back, answer it, is it okay? The best food security in the world is good or not? Answer it too," he said, asking the media crew when asked about his kinship with Haji Isam.

Haji Isam is known as an accomplished entrepreneur, who has a Jhonlin Group (JG) engaged in various fields ranging from mining, port services, air transportation, to manufacturing.

The parent company also oversees several subsidiaries such as PT Jhonlin Baratama, PT Jhonlin Air Transport, PT Jhonlin Agromandiri, PT Jhonlin Marine and Shipping, PT Jhonlin Batu Mandiri, to Jhonlin Agro Raya.

Amran's career in the Red and White Cabinet is associated with the figure of Haji Isam, because he is a cousin of Haji Isam who was once listed as the main commissioner of PT Jhonlin Agro Raya Tbk. (JARR) made by Haji Isam.