Thomas Trikasih Lembong (known by his peers as Tom Lembong) was sworn in as the new Minister of Trade yesterday to replace Rachmat Gobel. Tom took this new role in the middle of a drop in foodstuffs supplies, and wild price fluctuation. This is the most urgent homework Tom must help resolve. To do so, he must confront the foodstuff mafia, in addition to confronting the mafia of other commodities. On top of that, Tom must reform the Ministry’s licensing regime, which has so far been blamed for slowing down processes at the Tanjung Priok port. Those are some massive duties; confronting external and internal mafia. It’s baptism under fire, which shows the level of faith the President has in Tom Lembong’s capabilities. To subscribe please click here
