Surprised by Jonan’s appointment, Ade believed the former transportation minister's return to the Cabinet would revitalize the country’s energy sector.

Jonan and Arcandra were inaugurated as energy and mineral resources minister and deputy minister, respectively, at the State Palace on Friday.

The Golkar Party politician acknowledged Jonan's capacity and capability in the transportation sector and praised his legacy from his term as state-run railway company Kereta Api Indonesia’s (KAI) president director.

"KAI [services] became more comfortable under his leadership. Now, he has been entrusted to handle the energy sector, assisted by Arcandra who has the technical capacity and intellect. I am optimistic that Indonesia’s energy sector will be better under their management," Ade told reporters after the inauguration.

The two men filled positions left vacant after Jokowi dismissed Arcandra as energy minister in August. Jokowi stripped him of his duties after only 20 days in the role following a fiasco over his US citizenship. He regained his Indonesian citizenship on Sept. 1 after a process at the Law and Human Rights Ministry.

Jonan previously served as transportation minister before the President removed him from the Cabinet in July. (ebf)

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