Selection of new top officials for BPMIGAS in progress: Minister

By Godang Sitompul

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Jero Wacik said on Friday the selection of new top officials for upstream BPMIGAS, including the replacement of Rudi Rubiandini as operational control deputy, was in progress.

?The criteria for the selection include that (the new officials must have) integrity, and are highly capable, well accepted by many people and still in productive age. The selection process is in progress,? Jero said.

He said following the recent appointment of Rudi Rubiandini, former operational deputy control of BPMIGAS, as vice minister, BPMIGAS urgently needs somebody to take over Rudi?s previous position.

On Thursday, Petromindo quoted sources as saying that BPMIGAS? Chairman R. Priyono had named I Gde Pradnyana as Operational Control Deputy. Besides, according to the sources, he has named Y. Widjanarko as Vice Chairman, Gerhard Rumenggar as General Affairs Deputy, Aussie Gautama as Planning Deputy and Widhyawan Prawiraatmadja as Board Secretary. He even planned to install the new officials on Thursday, but put the plan on hold on protests from Coordinating Minister of the Economy Hatta Radjasa.

Priyono, according to sources, had yet to consult with Jero on his decision. Under the existing regulations, BPMIGAS?s chairman has to consult with the minister on the appointment of new deputies.

?There are rumors that there would be a major reshuffle at BPMIGAS and (there are) a lot of intervention in the process. Some (reporters) wrote that the top officials of the ministry considered (Priyono?s action) equal to a vote of no confidence (to the ministry). I am here to deny the rumors. If there is a reshuffle at BPMIGAS, that does not mean a vote of no confidence to the minister,? he said.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon