"I will first study the programs that were already implemented by the former minister (Dahlan Iskan). The programs that are good will be continued, but I will make advancements to improve those that are not up to the mark," Soemarno stated at the State Enterprises Ministry here on Monday.
It is important to keep in mind that whatever measures are taken should be in line with President Joko Widodos vision and mission, she added.
As an example, Soemarno pointed out that the establishment of ports across the country was needed to realize the presidents sea toll program in the maritime sector.
Others include improving public transportation services, including that of trains and others, she noted.
Regarding the development of ports, the newly-installed minister assured that one of her "homework" assignments was to bring about a merger of the state-owned port operating companies, Pelindo I to IV.
Other urgent tasks included the appointment of candidates to replace a number of president directors of state-owned companies who were installed as ministers, she affirmed.
The president director of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk. Arief Yahya, was appointed as the minister of tourism, the president director of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Ignasius Jonan, was appointed as the transportation minister, and the president director of PT Pindad, Sudirman Said, was appointed as the minister of energy and mineral resources.
Soemarno further stated that she also has to find a candidate to fill in the position of the president director of state-owned oil company Pertamin. The post has been vacant since Karen Agustiawan resigned on October 1.
Soemarno, who was the trade and industry minister during the term of former Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri, reiterated that she was prepared to bring to order some 130 state-owned companies and that each needed to be dealt with differently as they belong to different business sectors.
President Joko Widodo inaugurated his cabinet on Monday and held the first cabinet meeting soon after.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
