East Java Governor appoints Acting Head of Energy and Mineral Resources Department following suspect designation

Surabaya (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has appointed MHD Aftabuddin Rijaluzzaman as Acting Head (Plt) of the Energy and Mineral Resources Department (Dinas ESDM) to ensure that public services continue optimally following the designation of the previous official as a suspect.

The appointment of the Acting Head of the East Java Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Department is based on Letter Number 800/2506/204.4/2026 dated 17 April 2026, as a step to maintain the continuity of public services.

This policy was taken following the determination of suspect status and the detention of the Head of the East Java Energy and Mineral Resources Department, Aris Mukiyono, by investigators from the East Java High Prosecutor’s Office in a case of alleged illegal levies on mining and groundwater permits.

“We entrust the entire process to the law enforcement apparatus (APH). Since this process is ongoing, we respect it,” Khofifah stated in Surabaya on Saturday.

Khofifah emphasised that the appointment of the acting head is an administrative step to maintain the stability of government administration, particularly in the strategic energy and mineral resources sector.

“The appointment of the acting head is important so that all services to the public continue to run, including permitting services and supervisory functions in the ESDM sector,” she said.

“Public services must continue to run well, transparently, and in accordance with the rules,” she added.

The East Java Provincial Government, she continued, is committed to strengthening clean, transparent, and accountable governance across all sectors.