Minister insists appointment of new officials in line with presidential decree

By Godang Sitompul

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Sudirman Said insisted that the new leadership lineup of the ministry is in accordance with with the presidential decree, dismissing rumors that he has installed some officials into wrong positions in the recent reshuffle.

?I am not a fake minister. I would not install (officials) in conflict with the presidential decree,? Sudirman told Petromindo.com.

Sudirman recently installed top-echelon officials, including IGN Wiratmaja Puja as Director General, Jarman as Director General of Electricity, Bambang Gatot Aryono as Director General of Minerals and Coal, Rida Mulyana as Director General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) and Satry Nugraha as Secretary of the National Energy Council (DEN).

Sources said under the presidential decree, Bambang should have been installed as Secretary of DEN and Satry as Director General of Minerals and Coal. Furthermore, under the decree, the sources said, the position of EBTKE director general should be filled in by Arya Rezavidi rather than Rida.

?Some people are clearly disappointed. They then spread odd information,? Sudirman said.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon