Megawati asks for immediate House approval over oil body chief

President Megawati Sukarnoputri has formally asked the House of Representatives (DPR) that it approve in its plenary session on Friday her decision to appoint oil and gas director general Rachmat Soedibjo head of the newly formed body which has the highest authority over the country?s oil and gas industry, a senior House member said on Thursday.

Irwan Prayitno, chairman of DPR?s Commission VIII in charge of energy and mineral resources, said in a hearing House leaders had received a letter from the President on Tuesday which contained her request on Rachmat?s appointment to head the so-called Implementing Body. It is better known by the acronym Balak.

The President recently signed a government decree on the establishment of the Implementing Body, nearly eight months after she ratified Oil and Gas Law which entails the formation of the body. The law stipulates that the President appoint Balak chief and that his or her appointment must get prior approval from DPR.

If approved, Rachmat will be the first Balak chief.

Balak will perform jobs which had been held by Pertamina for decades. They include awarding oil and gas concessions, signing contracts with oil and gas contractors, and supervising the contractors? operation, as well as regulating the industry.

Meanwhile, some legislators said on Thursday the House might not be able to make decision on Balak chief appointment on Friday because they needed more time to deliberate the President?s request.

A House plenary session is scheduled for Friday in which legislators will deliberate several bills. (leo)