Yusuf Martak & Bakrie
Yusuf Muhammad Martak, chairman of the National Movement to Safeguard the Ulema Fatwa (GNPF) Ulama, denied reports linking him to PT Lapindo Brantas, an oil exploration company controlled by Bakrie Group, which was widely believed causing the hot mudflow in East Java. He, however, admitted that he was executive of PT Energi Mega Persada Tbk (ENRG), a company controlled by Bakrie, which was main shareholder of Lapindo Brantas.
People On the Move
Rony N Hendropriyono, son of AM Hendropriyono—-one of senior figures close to President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, has resigned from Merdeka Copper Gold (MDKA), a gold producer controlled by Edwin Soeryadjaya and Garibaldi ‘Boy’ Thohir. He is replaced by Mahendra Siregar, former vice minister of finance.
People on the Move
The government has appointed Jusman Syafii Djamal, former minister of transportation (2007-2009), as new chairman of state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia. Jusman is also listed chairman of flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk (GIAA) and some other companies, including those in private sector.
Double Trouble for Samin Tan
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has asked Immigration Office to ban Nenie Afwani, director of PT Borneo Lumbung Energi & Metal (BORN) Tbk, from overseas travel related to her status as witness in the corruption and bribery case implicating Eni Maulani Saragih (former Golkar lawmaker), Idrus Marham (former secretary general of Golkar Party), and Johannes Kotjo (businessman behind BlackGold Natural Resources Ltd, which develops the Riau coal-fired power plant).
Bank Muamalat & Ma’ruf Amin
Last month, we reported that Bank Muamalat, the pioneer of sharia banking in Indonesia, is to be helped by Lynx Asia, who will act as special purpose vehicle (SPV) on conducting asset swap for Bank Muamalat.
Ari Askhara Confirmed New CEO of Garuda
Shareholders of flag carrier Garuda Indonesia (GIAA) have confirmed our earlier report about I Gusti Ngurah Askhara Dana (Ari Askhara) as new CEO on Wednesday (Sept 12). Askhara replaces Pahala N Mansury, who will likely become chief financial officer of one of the largest state companies.
Gigih Prakoso: New CEO of PGAS
Gigih Prakoso Soewarto has been appointed new CEO of Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGAS) to replace Jobi Triananda Hasjim. Gigih, who was previously director of state oil and gas company Pertamina, is tasked to accelerate consolidation of Pertamina-PGAS, which weighed recovery of PGAS stock in the past few months.
Anggodo Widjojo Passes Away
Businessman Anggodo Widjojo (Ang Tjo Lie), who was sentenced 10 years prison for bribery and obstruction of justice related to project at ministry of forestry when the ministry was led by MS Kaban, former president of Islamic party PBB, has reportedly passed away in Surabaya, East Java on Friday, Sept 9.
Erick Thohir
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has finally announced businessman Erick Thohir as leader of his campaign team. Considered successful in organizing Asian Games 2018, Thohir could be a smart decision from the incumbent for his reelection next year. Jokowi also managed to have VP Jusuf Kalla as leader of the Steering Council of the campaign team.
Victor Laiskodat & Jokowi’s Go East
Victor Laiskodat has been sworn into office of East Nusa Tenggara governor by President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo on Wednesday (Sept 5). Laiskodat, a politician from NasDem Party, will lead the province known for its huge tourism industry potentials. After the ceremony, the politician said he would review all mining activities in the province to focus on the development of tourism industry.