Darwin, Priyono at odds over deputies appointment

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Darwin Z. Saleh is at odds with upstream oil, gas authority BPMIGAS over the planned appointment of new deputies that is considered by the latter against the rule.

Darwin has reportedly signed letter to appoint three deputy chairmen at BPMIGAS with installment expected soon. Wibowo S. Wirjawan, who is now Financial Control Deputy, will be named Operations Deputy which position is now vacant following the resignation of former deputy Budi Indianto. Darwin?s Special Staff Akhmad Syakhroza will assume financial control deputy position. Wijanarko, currently a sub-directorate head at the ministry of energy and mineral resources, will replace Syamsu Rizal Azir as deputy for general affairs.

Darwin, apparently, did not consult BPMIGAS Chairman R. Priyono on the appointment.

An official with BPMIGAS said the appointment of the new deputies are not in line with Government Regulation Number 42/ 2002 which clearly stated that BPMIGAS vice chairman and deputy chairmen are terminated and installed by minister (of energy and mineral resources) based on recommendation from BPMIGAS chairman.

?Thus far, BPMIGAS Chairman R. Priyono has yet given recommendation on deputies positions (to Minister Darwin),? BPMIGAS Spokesperson Elan Biantoro told Petromindo.Com.

A source told Petromindo.Com that the installment of the new deputies without Priyono?s recommendation is considered violating the GR 42/2002 and BPMIGAS will not take part in the process of ?violating the regulation?.

Darwin did not return Petromindo.Com?s call for confirmation.

Another source in the ministry said that the installment ceremony, which is originally planned to take place on Monday might be delayed to latter days. The source, however, said that Darwin might insist on his choice and the disagreement might deepen conflict between Darwin and Priyono. (godang)