JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) - Indonesia President Joko Widodo decided to dismiss Archandra Tahar as a Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources on speculation of dual citizenship.
Minister for State Secretary Pratikno announced at the State Palace that the decision has been made following a discussion with Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan and other ministers. The President, he said, made the decision in response to public inquiries regarding the Archandra’s status.
Some media reports have said that Archandra Tahar obtained US passport in 2012, but still owns Indonesian passport. The Indonesian law does not recognize dual citizenship. Once a citizen accepted foreign citizen, his or her Indonesian citizen is no longer valid.
Archandra Tahar, born in Padang, West Sumatera, has been working in US for over 20 years before called back to Indonesia to hold the energy minister’s post.
President, Pratikno said President has appointed Luhut designated as responsible to take over Archandra’s position until find the definitive minister.
Pratikno also said that Luhut Panjaitan will act as temporary Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources until a definitive new energy minister is appointed. (*)