Bakom Chief Qodari Speaks Out on SOE Commissioners

The Head of the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, stated that appointing commissioners for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) from different backgrounds brings new perspectives to the effort of overseeing the government’s agenda.

Met after opening the Nusantara Media Fest 2026 in Jakarta on Saturday, Qodari shared that based on his experience as a former commissioner of an SOE, the role of a commissioner is vital for providing direction and monitoring government programmes.

“Drawing from my experience at Pertamina Hulu Energi, we can assist in identifying alternative solutions. Because we come from different backgrounds and from the outside, there is essentially a new perspective that can be brought into the companies where we serve as commissioners,” said Qodari.

His statement comes in response to public discourse regarding the appointment of commissioners in several SOEs. This includes the appointment of Raffi Ahmad’s personal assistant, Mufi Budi Ananda, as a commissioner of PT Krakatau Posco, and Gina Febriyanti Ginting, a volunteer for Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka during the 2024 Presidential Election, as a commissioner of PT Pertamina Retail.

Qodari stated that the selection of commissioners for a company is a normal practice, not only in SOEs but also in private corporations. He noted that their presence benefits an SOE in performing oversight and contributing ideas and concepts.

“In my humble opinion, the fundamental requirements for a commissioner are twofold: first, common sense, and second, good intentions,” he remarked.

He added that those appointed as commissioners usually possess significant experience in organisations, government, or the private sector, which subsequently provides new perspectives in their duty to oversee SOEs.

Previously, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, also stated in the parliamentary complex in Senayan on Thursday (2/7) that the DPR continues to encourage the appointment of SOE commissioners to be filled by professional and competent individuals.

Currently, many SOE commissioner positions are held by deputy ministers from the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Cabinet, civil servants, politicians, volunteers, and individuals close to political elites.