Indonesian official defends appointment of diverse commissioners to state firms

Muhammad Qodari, head of Indonesia's Government Communication Agency (Bakom), has stressed the significance of commissioners within State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN). He argues that appointing commissioners from varied backgrounds injects fresh perspectives into the execution of government priority agendas.

Qodari, who previously served as a commissioner at PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, highlighted that commissioners play a crucial role in providing direction and overseeing government objectives. His comments address recent appointments of individuals perceived to be close to the Prabowo Subianto administration as commissioners in state-owned companies. Notable appointments include Mufi Budi Ananda, an assistant to a presidential special envoy, to PT Krakatau Posco, and Gina Febriyanti Ginting, a presidential election volunteer, to PT Pertamina Retail.

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Because we come from different backgrounds, we come from outside, there is actually a new perspective that can be brought into the company where we become commissioners.

"When I talk about my experience at Pertamina Hulu Energi, we can also help look at alternative solutions," Qodari stated in Jakarta on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as reported by Antara. He added, "Because we come from different backgrounds, we come from outside, there is actually a new perspective that can be brought into the company where we become commissioners."

Qodari asserted that appointing commissioners is a common practice, not only in state-owned firms but also in private corporations. He believes that commissioners benefit state-owned companies by providing oversight, ideas, and concepts. He also suggested that individuals appointed as commissioners typically possess relevant experience from organizations, government, or the private sector, which enables them to offer new viewpoints in their supervisory roles.

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First, common sense, and second, good intentions.