14 October 2016•Update: 14 October 2016
By Ainur Rohmah
TUBAN, Indonesia
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has appointed former transportation minister Ignatius Jonan as the minister of energy and mining after his predecessor was removed from office in August following reports that he held dual citizenship.
Archandra Tahar, who held the post for only 20 days following a July cabinet reshuffle before he was revealed to be a United States citizen, was appointed as Jonan’s deputy Friday.
Indonesian law does not recognize dual citizenship for nationals over the age of 18.
During the oath-taking ceremony broadcast on Metro TV on Friday, Jonan and Tahar vowed, “I will preserve integrity, not abuse authority, and refrain from misconduct.”
The president described Jonan, who served as transportation minister before the July reshuffle, as a “daring” figure who is expected to solve problems in the energy and mining ministry's management.
Widodo underlined that both Jonan and Tahar are professionals recognized to be free of corruption and political party influence.
"Both are stubborn, but like to [be proactive] on the field," he added. "I'm sure they can solve the problems at the ministry and engage in good teamwork."
Tahar, who lived in the U.S. for 20 years before Widodo asked him to lead the ministry, told reporters after the ceremony that he now only has Indonesian citizenship.
"I think all the problems have been resolved and I am now sworn in by the president," he said.
