Oil and gas analyst Sumarno Dipodisastro said on Tuesday he did not believe that President Abdurrahman Wahid had signed a decree on the appointment of Baihaki Hakim, ex president of PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, as president of state-owned Pertamina.
"I have checked it myself with a number of officials who are said to have become the news sources and none of them confirmed the rumor, including Munir from the office of the state minister of investment and state enterprises development who was once quoted by an internet media," Sumarno told BRD on the sidelines of the annual convention of the Indonesian Petroleum Association.
He said the massive rumors on Baihaki's strong contention for Pertamina top post was deliberately spread by his supporters to test the water if his nomination was supported by the people or not. If the reaction turned negative, the supporters would find another name.
Sumarno said he himself supported incumbent Martiono Hadianto. "I will choose Martiono rather than eight other candidates. But with one condition, he must be brave enough to restructure his board of directors." (*)
