The number of deputy ministers has been calculated based on real needs...Bogor, West Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has named Nafsiah Mboi as the new health minister to replace minister Endang Sedyaningsih, who recently died from cancer.
"I have seen her experience, capability and service, as well her commitment to public health," President Yudhoyono said when making the announcement at Bogor Presidential Palace here on Wednesday.
President Yudhoyono also announced that he had named Rudi Rudiandini, a professor of oil and gas engineering at state Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), as deputy minister of energy and mineral resources to replace Widjajono Partowidagdo, who also recently died while mountain climbing.
"I think he also has skills, knowledge and experience, as well as commitment to advance our energy and mineral resources," he said regarding Rudi`s appointment.
President Yudhoyono, meanwhile, named to the post of head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) to Muhammad Chaitb Basri to replace Gita Wirjawan, the trade minister, who previously held it.
"In my view, he is capable of holding the post of BKPM head to meet the current economic crisis. To maintain our economic growth investment and trade would play an important role," he said.
President Yudhoyono also named former attorney general Hendarman Supandji as the new head of the National Land Agency to replace Joyo Winoto.
The President said settlement of legal problems of land holdings needs to be prioritized, and to do that Hendarman Supandji would be the right person.
"God willing, I would inaugurate them tomorrow so that they could start working," he said.
President Yudhoyono also said that the appointment of deputy ministers has so far been based upon economic concerns.
"Certainly we also pay attention to the economy. The number of deputy ministers has been calculated based on real needs, so allegations that they are wasting resources are not true," he said, responding to criticisms.
He noted that the appointments were also based on the authority given to him by the Constitution as head of government to form an effective government.
He added that deputy ministers were needed, in view of the many tasks to be performed by ministers.
(M041)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
