Erick Will Evaluate BUMN Performance Before Applying The New Norms

BUMN Minister Erick Thohir (Photo: Twitter @erickthohir)

JAKARTA - State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Minister Erick Thohir said that his party would evaluate the performance of all BUMN companies before facing new normal conditions during the pre-COVID-19 period. Especially related to the implementation of health protocols.

This is because, he said, all SOEs had only completed the health protocol on May 27, or two days past the target set on May 25. Seeing that there was a delay in preparation, Erick felt the need to evaluate the 142 state-owned companies.

"It is important for monitoring and evaluation. Even though we already have a protocol, we still have to evaluate it. Because as long as a COVID-19 vaccine has not been found, there must be protocol adjustments," said Erick in a virtual discussion, Friday, May 29.

In the evaluation, Erick emphasized that all BUMNs must have serious preparation for handling COVID-19. In addition, there must be deadlines in the working stages, but still be flexible. Because, he said, all BUMN offices in Indonesia must comply with the PSBB policy in each region.

Erick realizes that Indonesia is actually capable of making various technologies and meeting people's needs. However, the implementation of what is done is often weak. Coupled with the sluggish economic conditions in the wake of COVID-19. Even so with state-owned companies.

For example, aircraft companies must regularly sterilize their planes with disinfectants to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This obviously resulted in a bigger expense than usual. Not to mention the decline in income due to restrictions on travel activities.

"Many economists say that Indonesia has the potential to become a big country because it has natural resources and a strong market. However, there are weaknesses, namely technological transformation and expensive logistics," said Erick.

"So, yesterday we asked for a major restructuring of BUMN performance, not only cash flow, but also efficiency and consolidation must occur," he added.