Govt hints change in Pertamina?s top jobs could occur in a month

Government hinted on Thursday that change in Pertamina?s top jobs could come as early as September as the government is close to complete the company?s new statutes and rules, a precondition to appoint new board of directors.

?The only main stumbling block for the completion of Pertamina?s statutes to be completed is the value of the company?s assets, but I am positive it could be completed by September, after which board of directors and commissioners must be immediately be appointed,? Secretary general of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Djoko Darmono, who is also the head of the team tasked to write Pertamina?s statutes told reporters.

Under the new oil and gas law, Pertamina must be transformed into limited liability company by the end of this year.

Harry Purnomo, former director of Pertamina, and currently president of Badak NGL, is tipped to be the strongest candidate for the company?s top job to replace the incumbent Baihaki Hakim. Other candidates include Gatot Karyoso Wirojudo, former director of Pertamina; Iin Arifin Takhyan, oil and gas director general; Cyriel Noerhadi, former president director of the Jakarta Stock Exchange; and Syafruddin Temenggung, chairman and the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency. (alex/godang)