President Jokowi Instructs New Energy Minister to Enhance Resource Optimization
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has directed Bahlil Lahadalia, the newly inaugurated Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), to focus on maximizing the potential of Indonesia’s natural resources. The instruction was given during Lahadalia’s inauguration at the State Palace on Monday.
“President Jokowi has emphasized the need to accelerate the optimization and production of our natural resources to boost state revenues and create more employment opportunities,” Lahadalia stated following his appointment. He assured that successful programs previously implemented under former Minister Arifin Tasrif’s leadership would be continued and refined as needed. “We will maintain successful existing programs and address any issues. This is an ongoing process,” he added.
Lahadalia also addressed concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest due to his background as a mining entrepreneur, assuring that his current role would not be affected by these concerns.
In addition to Lahadalia’s appointment, President Jokowi also inaugurated several other key state officials. Supratman Andi Agtas was sworn in as Minister of Law and Human Rights, Rosan Roeslani as Minister of Investment and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), and Angga Raka Prabowo as Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics. Hasan Nasbi was appointed as Head of the Presidential Communication Office, Dadan Hindayana as Head of the National Nutrition Agency, and Taruna Ikrar as Head of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).
The inauguration of these officials is based on Presidential Decree Number 92P of 2024, which addresses the dismissal and appointment of state ministers for the Onward Indonesia Cabinet for the 2019-2024 period.
Bahlil Lahadalia, a member of the Golkar Party and a Papuan businessman, previously served as Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM since 2019. Rosan Roeslani has succeeded him in this role.
