Baihaki fit for Pertamina's top job: Analyst

Ex-president of American oil and gas company Baihaki Hakim was fit for the top job of state oil and gas company Pertamina, Bisnis Indonesia quoted an oil executive as saying.

Aswad Dipo, president of Pertamina's largest subsidiary El Nusa, lauded on Thursday Baihaki as having qualities needed for Pertamina's top job.

"I think his bravery, high integrity, broad knowledge about oil, bravery to fight corruption, collusion and nepotism (are suitable for Pertamina's leadership). Above all, he knows well about oil business thanks to his long experience of working for Caltex," Aswad said.

However, he cautioned that Baihaki would face a different environment in Pertamina than the one in Caltex. Baihaki should adopt a different leadership style than the one he had taken while leading the well-managed Caltex.

Reports said that President Abdurrahman Wahid had appointed Baihaki as Pertamina's new leader replacing Martiono Hadianto, but some people doubted the veracity of the reports. (*)