Appointment of Migas Riau's president creates controversy

The appointment of Azlani Agus as the president of the newly established oil and gas company PD Migas Riau has created controversy. Some criticize his appointment because he possesses no backgrounds in oil and gas operation.

Djuharman Arifin, the vice chairman of the provincial legislative council said that although the appointment of Azlani as the president of the company was the sole rights of the governor, some important qualifications should not be ignored.

He said that Azlani, who possessed no backgrounds in all in oil and gas industry, certainly lacked qualification to lead the company, which was recently established to take over the management and operation of the Coastal Plains Pekanbaru (CPP) oil block from PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) beginning next year.

"He (Azlani) might be selected to lead the company due to his managerial skills," he added.

When contacted by Riau Pos, Azlan said that he was not aware that he had been elected as the president of the oil and gas company. But he acknowledged that he is one of several people who helped the establishment of the company.

The provincial administration of Riau is waiting for a final approval from the Ministry of Mines and Energy to take over the management and operation of the CPP oil block beginning next year. The local government would manage the oil block through the new company. (*)