BPMIGAS ensures it will file a lawsuit against energy ministry

Upstream oil and gas regulator BPMIGAS confirmed on Monday it would file a lawsuit against the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources with the State Administrative Court to challenge the ministry?s recent decision on the appointment of three new deputies at the agency.

BPMIGAS Deputy Chairman Hardiono said that the agency would go the State Administrative Court soon. ?We will and certain to file the lawsuit,? he told Investor Daily.

BPMIGAS Chairman R. Priyono said that the agency would not back down from the plan, adding that it has legal right to make the lawsuit to challenge the ministry?s decision on the appointment of the three new deputies.

He pointed out that Chapter 20 of Government Regulation No 42.2002 on BPMIGAS, stipulates that the deputies at BPMIGAS are appointed and dismissed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources based on recommendation from the agency.

He said that the new deputies named by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Darwin Saleh in June are not those recommended by BPMIGAS. (*)