Why Bahlil Holds Dual Roles as Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources: The Reasons Explained
Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed the reasons behind his dual role as the Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). According to Bahlil, the dual appointment is related to the need for consolidation within the downstreaming and energy transition sectors.
Bahlil was inaugurated as the Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition at the State Palace on Thursday (1/10/202สงค์). He stated that he is ready to carry out his duties as both the Coordinating Minister and the Minister of ESDM.
“I have been inaugurated as the Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, while also holding the position of Minister of ESDM. I know this is a mandate and a state responsibility that I must bear,” Bahlil said following the inauguration.
Bahlil noted that this assignment aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s ‘Asta Cita’ programme, which prioritises downstreaming and energy transition. He believes both sectors need to be consolidated through the Coordinating Ministry for Downstreaming and Energy Transition to accelerate their realisation.
The Coordinating Ministry for Downstreaming and Energy Transition is a new nomenclature within the Red and White Cabinet. Bahlil explained that the coordinating ministry was formed to perform coordination functions, while the ministry overseeing investment and downstreaming acts as the technical implementer.
Under this structure, the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming will fall under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Downstreaming and Energy Transition.
“The reason is, a Coordinating Minister is a coordinator. Meanwhile, the Minister of Investment and Downstreaming is a technical minister. Therefore, the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming operates under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry. That is all, it is quite standard,” Bahlil explained.
Reasons for Bahlil’s Dual Role as Minister of ESDM
Bahlil mentioned that holding the positions of Minister of ESDM and Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition is a significant mandate and responsibility. He emphasised that he will work to the maximum to carry out both duties.
According to Bahlith, the temporary placement of the Coordinating Ministry for Downstreaming and Energy Transition’s operations within the Ministry of ESDM is also related to the large proportion of downstreaming investment in that sector.
“The office will remain at the Ministry of ESDM while we monitor developments, because I see that our focus is downstreaming; out of 100% of total investment, 90% is in the ESDM sector,” Bahlil clarified.
When asked about his work plan for the next three months as the Coordinating Minister, Bahlil stated that he would be working every day.
“I always work every day, not just every three months. Every day, every day, every day. So I work, I think, I work, I think, I work,” he asserted.
When questioned regarding the position of the Minister of ESDM being replaced by a new figure, Bahlil declined to comment extensively. He emphasised that he is merely executing orders in accordance with the Presidential Decree.
“I must not answer beyond the limits of my authority. I am only carrying out what is commanded in the President’s Presidential Decree, because we interpret all constitutional authority as the President’s right, which is then delegated to his assistants. As a good presidential assistant, I will be obedient and submit to what is commanded and what is contained within that Presidential Decree,” Bahlil elaborated.