Govt might replace PLN chief to solve power problem: Report

After President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono summoned ministers and other related officials on Tuesday, rumors now have it that Fahmi Mochtar, the President Director of state-owned the state power company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) would be replaced, Antara news agency reported

The President asked PLN to improve its management both in financial and distribution terms so that its consumers would no longer have to suffer power outages as a result of PLN`s mismanagement.

The President also said PLN has coordinating problems as reflected in its slow response to proposals from the regions while a number of areas were also not smart in taking serious steps to solve electricity problems.

In response to the rumors about possible reshuffle at PLN, a legislator warned the government to be careful in deciding to replace the PLN chief. The problem with PLN cannot be solved only with replacing its president director.

Two names have been tipped to replace Fahmi and the names are said to have been submitted to the President.

One of them is said to have been summoned by the President, that is Dahlan Iskan, the owner and chief executive officer of media publication group the Jawa Pos Group. (*)