President appoints five deputy ministers, six in waiting

Erwida Maulia ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 11/10/2009 7:34 PM  |  National

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will swear in Wednesday five deputy ministers who will help the Cabinet achieve its targets.

Bayu Krisnamurti has been appointed the deputy agriculture minister, Hermanto Dardak the deputy public works minister, Bambang Susantono the deputy transportation minister, Alex Retra Ubun the deputy industry minister and Mahendra Siregar the deputy trade minister.

State Secretary Sudi Silalahi told a press conference Tuesday all the new officials had signed integrity and performance pacts at the President’s private residence in Cikeas in the West Java regency of Bogor earlier in the day.

“I just came from Cikeas and was ordered to announce the deputy ministerial candidates. The President, Vice President and state secretary summoned them prior to their inauguration tomorrow [Wednesday],” Sudi said.

Sudi said the President would appoint six more deputy ministers soon.

“Altogether there will be 11 ministries that need the services of deputy ministers, including those whose names were announced today,” Sudi said.

Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Gita Wirjawan will be sworn in together with the five deputy ministers. Gita’s inauguration has been delayed twice since his appointment on Oct. 21.

Sudi said the President was completing the selection of the Cabinet secretary and presidential special staff members.

“The special staff will be announced soon, but due to the new nomenclature it may take some time. Hopefully, within the near future,” Sudi said.

The President will leave Jakarta for an overseas trip to Malaysia and Singapore after swearing in the five deputy ministers. He will return on Nov. 16.

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