URGENT: Priyono installs new deputies

By Godang Sitompul

Upstream authority BPMIGAS? Chairman R. Priyono installed on Friday several new top officials for the agency in a major reshuffle that has reportedly caused concerns among several parties.

He installed Johanes Widjonarko as Vice Chairman replacing Hardiono; Widhyawan Prawiraatmadja as Planning Deputy replacing Haposan Napitupulu; I Gde Pradnyana as Operational Control Deputy replacing Rudi Rubiandini; Gerhard Maarten Rumeser as General Affairs Deputy replacing Widjanarko.

Widyawan used to be Secretary of the agency?s board of leaders, while Gde served as Head of Public Relations, Security and Formality Division before being appointed as deputy. Gerhard used to an expert staff at the agency. Rudi was appointed Vice Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono last month to replace the late Widjajon Partowidagdo.

Hardiono and Haposan were appointed as expert staff replacing Sis Handoko Kardiman and Fathur Rahman.

Sources said Coordinating Minister of the Economy Hatta Radjasa did not feel happy with the reshuffle decision taken by Priyono, even summoned Priyono to his office on Thursday. Hatta was reportedly concerned over the fact that Priyono did not consult with Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources in selecting the new deputies.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon