Bakom: Commissioners from diverse backgrounds offer fresh perspectives for SOEs

Head of the Government Communication Body (Bakom) Muhammad Qodari has stated that selecting commissioners for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) from different backgrounds brings fresh perspectives in efforts to steer the government’s agenda. Speaking after opening the Nusantara Media Fest 2026 in Jakarta on Saturday, Qodari, drawing on his own experience as a former commissioner of an SOE, said the role is crucial for providing direction and overseeing government programmes. “Speaking from my experience at Pertamina Hulu Energi, we can also help to see alternative solutions. Because we come from different backgrounds, from outside, there is actually a new perspective that can be brought to the company where we serve as commissioner,” Qodari said. The statement was made in response to public discussion regarding commissioner appointments at several SOEs, including the selection 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 said that the appointment of commissioners is a normal practice, not only in SOEs but also in private corporations. He argued their presence benefits an SOE by providing oversight as well as ideas and concepts. “In my opinion, the basic capital for a commissioner is just two things. First, common sense, and second, good intentions,” he said. He added that those appointed as commissioners usually already have experience in organisations, government or the private sector, which then provides a new perspective in their supervisory duties at an SOE. Previously, House Speaker Puan Maharani stated that the DPR continues to push for SOE commissioner posts to be filled by professional and competent individuals.