Kuntoro ready to be replaced by Eddie Widiono

The president of state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, said on Thursday (Jan. 11) he was ready to be replaced by PLN marketing and distribution director Eddie Widiono.

Rumors at PLN said that Eddie Widiono was likely to be appointed to replace Kuntoro's position as PLN president.

"I don't want to comment on that. If I will be replaced, I'm ready to be replaced," Kuntoro said. Meanwhile, Eddie Widiono, refused to comment and said, "No comment."

A source at PLN head office confirmed that the President's spokesman had talked with Kuntoro about the planned replacement of PLN president.

"Because a number of ministers brought with them a number of candidates, President Abdurrahman Wahid appointed Eddie Widiono to replace Kuntoro," the source said.

Kuntoro said that he would take all responsibilities under his shoulder, including accusations from various quarters that he was slow in negotiation with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) of the United States over the payment of OPIC claims by PLN.

"I, as PLN president, cannot fault anyone if there is a perception among the people that PLN has been slow in negotiating the price and payment method over OPIC claim on private electricity matter," he said.

"But I, as PLN president, need to explain that the private electricity problem has become parts of government-to-government relation between the Indonesian and U.S. government. PLN is only part of the Indonesian government, that is responsible in negotiation, while the decision lies with the government," he added. (*)