Purnomo likely to retain job

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro is widely tipped to retain his job at the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono?s next cabinet, sources said.

Several sources contacted by Petromindo.Com confirmed that Purnomo is the strongest candidate for the position.

?Purnomo is the most logical candidate for the position due to his expertise in energy sector and his close link to SBY. SBY thinks he can count on him to manage energy sector, especially handling the task to eliminate fuel subsidies.?

The new government will face mammoth task of eliminating fuel subsidies, which eat up large portion of state budget.

Another sources said that another candidate for the position is Hatta Radjasa, who is currently Minister of Research and Technology, and also secretary general of National Mandate Party.

SBY will not announce his cabinet line up until after October 5, when national election committee will formally announce 2004 election final results.(alex)