19-8-2024 (JAKARTA) President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has officially sworn in Bahlil Lahadalia as the new Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in a move that marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s cabinet. The appointment, which took place at the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, 19 August 2024, sees Lahadalia transition from his previous role as Minister of Investment and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), a position he had held since 2019.
The ceremony, conducted in accordance with Presidential Decree Number 92 of 2024 concerning the dismissal and appointment of State Ministers in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, was a solemn affair.
Rumours of a reshuffle in the Energy Ministry had been circulating since early August, despite the palace twice denying such speculation. This appointment confirms those rumours and signals a new direction for Indonesia’s energy sector under Lahadalia’s leadership.
Lahadalia brings a unique perspective to his new role. Known for representing eastern Indonesia’s business interests, he served as the Chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) from 2015 to 2019 before joining Jokowi’s cabinet. His business acumen and experience in investment are expected to bring fresh insights to Indonesia’s energy and mineral resources strategies.
This cabinet reshuffle comes at a crucial time for Indonesia, as the country grapples with energy transition challenges and the need to balance economic growth with sustainable resource management. Lahadalia’s appointment may indicate a shift towards more investment-friendly policies in the energy sector, potentially aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign capital to drive Indonesia’s energy development.
