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Lawmakers differ over Arcandra's rumored return as minister
House of Representatives members have differing opinions about whether Arcandra Tahar should be reinstalled as energy and mineral resources minister, a position he served in for only 20 days following a dual citizenship controversy
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Stand firm — Arcandra Tahar speaks to journalists at the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister on Aug. 9. (Antara/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)
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ouse of Representatives members have differing opinions about whether Arcandra Tahar should be reinstalled as energy and mineral resources minister, a position he served in for only 20 days following a dual citizenship controversy.
Rumors about his possible return have circulated since Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly confirmed on Wednesday that Arcandra was still an Indonesian citizen.
United Development Party (PPP) lawmaker Arsul Sani said although Arcandra’s return to the Cabinet was the prerogative right of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, the President should be concerned that reinstalling Arcandra could draw public criticism, especially from parties that opposed his political decisions.
“Although some people support the reinstatement of Arcandra’s Indonesian citizenship, many of them think Arcandra should not be returned to his previous ministerial position,” Arsul told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
Even if President Jokowi wanted Arcandra’s assistance in energy and mineral resources affairs, he should place him in another position that suited his expertise, such as an expert staff member within the ministry, Arsul added.
Echoing Arsul, House deputy speaker Fahri Hamzah said Jokowi should be careful with his decisions and must take into account the consequences of reinstalling a controversial person in a strategic position in his administration.
Arcandra was at the center of a dual citizenship controversy in August, following his inauguration as energy and mineral resources minister. He was honorably dismissed by President Jokowi for holding two passports, one from the US and one from Indonesia. (ebf)
