Baihaki to select new head of Pertamina's foreign contractors management body

The new president of state owned oil and gas firm Pertamina Baihaki Hakim is expected to name the new head of the Pertamina's foreign contractors management body (BPPKA) in April to replace Gatot K. Wirojudo who has been appointed as the new director of exploration and production, according to an insider.

The source said that Baihaki was now carefully selecting the candidates.

"There are several candidates already. But Baihaki will not make his choice quickly without knowing the person thoroughly. Especially as he was a former top executive of a foreign oil and gas contractor (Caltex) who often deal with the BPPKA," the source said.

But the source said that Baihaki might select the new head as recommended by Gatot.

"Gatot is a straight man just like Baihaki."

The source, however, added that foreign oil and gas contractors were also lobbying Baihaki to push their own candidates.(*)