Lawmaker: To Sell Ministerial Office is To Sell State Assets

Robert Sidaruk, Rofiq Hidayat
 
Rini Soemarno, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), has become the center of criticism frommany circles, especially lawmakers, following the announcement of her intention to sell her ministry’s headquarters for efficiency reasons.
 
According to Mrs. Soemarno, the current office is considered too large for a ministry with only 250 staff and its maintenance costs too expensive.This proposal was quickly responded to by a number of lawmakers, remindingthat such a plan is equates to sellingState assets, which involves complex procedures. As a consequence, the realization of the plan will not be an easy task.
 
“Selling State assets is not easy. It requires approval from House of Representative,” said Zulkifli Hasan, Chairman of the Congress (MPR), in Jakarta on Thursday.
 
Moreover, Mr. Hasan emphasized that the main function of BUMN is to undertake business on behalf of the State to revenue of which is to be for the benefit of people.
 
“Any act of selling State assets must be conducted in careful manner,”added Mr. Hasan.
 
Similar sentiments were also expressed by Fahri Hamzah, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. Hamzah reminded that the act of procuring or selling State asstes is quite complicated, as stipulated under Law No. 17 of 2003on State Finances. Moreover, the government must first seek approval from the parliament prior selling a State asset.
 
Mr. Hamzah further suggesting that instead of declaring her intention to the public, Mrs. Soemarno should first consult the Minister of Finance, who will then notify the President to resolve the matter. Alternatively, the government may start actions to liquidate surplus assets and establish a new office under the State Budget.
 
“The Ministerial of State Owned Enterprise could relocate to another existing building”, suggested Mr. Hamzah.
 
Another criticism came from Fadli Zon, Deputy Speaker of the House, who strongly disagrees with the plan proposed by Mrs. Soemarno for a different reason.He believes that the Ministery of State Owned Enterprise’s office acts as a symbol of all BUMNs throughout Indonesia. Therefore, the Minister’s plan contradicts the spirit of restoring the sovereignty of the nation.
 
“This plan must be rejected. The building is the main office of the Ministery. To sell it for efficiency reason would not make sense,”said Mr. Zon.
 
(hot/kc)