“There will definitely be an acting minister. Just wait for the President’s decision,” Thohir told reporters after his swearing-in ceremony at the State Palace in Jakarta.
Thohir, who previously served as SOE Minister, said he was unaware of who would take over the role in an interim capacity and declined to make any recommendations.
“That is the President’s prerogative,” he said when asked whether the acting post would be filled by the deputy minister or another senior official.
He also said he had not received any information about a possible merger of the SOE Ministry with Danantara, a new state holding body recently introduced by the government.
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“I don't know yet. As I said, there will be an acting minister. The State Secretary will make the announcement,” he added.
Regarding the future of the SOE Ministry, Thohir said any structural changes, including a potential merger with Danantara, would follow established government procedures.
“That process has to go through the parliament. Let’s just follow it,” he said.
Thohir served as SOE Minister from 2019 until his appointment this week as Youth and Sports Minister in President Prabowo’s cabinet reshuffle.
His leadership at the SOE Ministry was marked by reforms in corporate governance and the consolidation of state-owned companies.
The government has yet to name a permanent replacement or provide a timeline for when the acting minister will be appointed.
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Translator: Andi/Genta, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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