MPR Deputy Speaker Eddy Soeparno said that support from an independent team is necessary to assure the public that the energy giant truly regrets the corruption allegations and is committed to self-improvement, as asserted by its president director, Simon Aloysius Mantiri.
In a statement received here on Friday, the legislator emphasized that the team should consist of academicians, refinery experts, hydrocarbon experts, and other relevant professionals.
"This team is expected to announce their assessment results, which will help restore public confidence in Pertamina," he added.
He also called on the state-owned enterprise (SOE) to strengthen the internal supervisory system of its subsidiaries, particularly PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, by reinforcing the roles and functions of the board of commissioners.
"Credible commissioners with experience in the oil and gas sector or risk management, whether practically or academically, will surely contribute to restoring public trust in Pertamina," he explained.
Soeparno expressed the hope that neither Pertamina nor other SOEs would be involved in any future corruption scandals.
"Pertamina is a world-class company and a source of national pride. It is only natural for this company to become a role model for other SOEs by applying good and clean corporate governance," he stated.
Investigators from the Attorney General's Office (AGO) have initiated a probe into the state oil and gas giant for alleged corruption involving high-ranking officers of its subsidiaries and cooperation contract contractors between 2018 and 2023.
The AGO has named nine individuals as suspects in the case, including the president director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Riva Siahaan; president director of PT Pertamina International Shipping, Yoki Firmandi; and feedstock and product optimization director of PT Kilang Pertamina International, Sani Saifuddin.
Following the announcement, prosecutors began searches for evidence and the questioning of witnesses, including technical officers at Pertamina.
While issuing an apology to the public for the concerns the case caused, Pertamina revealed a plan to establish an internal evaluation team.
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Translator: Rio Feisal, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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