Lukman Hakim to Replace Suryadharma Ali as Religious Affairs Minister

Batam, Riau Islands (Antara Bali) - The deputy general chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), Lukman Hakim Saefuddin, will be inaugurated as the new religious affairs minister to replace Suryadharma Ali.

"The inauguration will be on Monday, June 9," he said after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono here on Thursday.

He said during the meeting President Yudhoyono gave him the mandate to become a religious affairs minister to replace Suryadharma Ali.

Suryadharma Ali, who is also PPP general chairman, had resigned after he was named as a suspect in a corruption case linked to hajj pilgrimage by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Lukman said he had received the trust that he considered as a big responsibility as he will only serve for four months before the current government ends its term in October, following presidential election scheduled on July 9.

"It is not easy for me to decide to accept the mandate as it is a huge responsibility," he said.

In view of that, he will also ask for advice from clerics so that he can be strong enough to carry out the duty.

He said officials of the religious affairs ministry were demoralized following the disclosure of the corruption case.

"The President said the job is important as something has happened that has caused demoralization among the ministry officials," he said.

In view of that, he said the President had asked him to restore the morale of the ministry officials so that various programs, such as hajj pilgrimage, can be performed effectively.

Coordinating minister for peoples welfare Agung Laksono as acting minister of religious affairs, meanwhile, had told reporters, "Demoralization must be prevented. This is the main task."

Lukman Hakim is currently also the deputy chairman of the Peoples Consultative Assembly (MPR).(WDY)