Jakarta (Antara Bali) - A political observer called on President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) not to name candidate from political party as new energy and mineral resource minister to replace Archandra Tahar.
Igor Dirgantara, from the Jayabaya University, said President Jokowi should not be too quick in accepting recommendations from his aides.
The replacement should be an independent professional without political affiliation, Igor said here on Friday.
Archandar was dismissed after 20 days as energy and mineral resource minister after he was found to have dual citizenship.
Archandra is a naturalized U.S. citizen after 20 years staying in that country.
The Indonesian Constitution prohibits state officials having dual citizenship.
Igor said replacement of Archandra from political party would trigger political squabble, especially if the replacement is from Golkar.
Golkar, which was the biggest party in the opposition coalition, has only recently declared support for the government.
"Replacement from Golkar would draw strong reaction from the ruling coalition. Jokowi would be seen as unfair," he said.
He said Jokowi needs political support from Golkar but he has to be careful not to anger the ruling parties.
Earlier rumors spread that Golkar lawmaker Setya Widya Yudha was one of the candidates to replace Archandra.
"Under the prevailing condition, the replacement should be one acceptable to all as the position of energy and mineral resource minister is very strategic ," Igor said.
Certainly the replacement, apart from being an expert, should understand all the procedures of investment contracts in the mining energy sector, he added.
Igor ,therefore, said he wanted to ask the president not to rush to accept recommendations from his aides. (WDY)
