JAKARTA: Newly-appointed Indonesian Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Archandra Tahar has been removed from the cabinet on Monday (Aug 15), after reports emerged over the weekend of his dual citizenship.
Existing regulations do not allow Indonesians to have dual citizenship and according to local media reports, Archandra is a holder of two passports, one from Indonesia and one from the United States.
"In response to the public's questioning regarding Archandra Tahar’s citizenship, and after considering information received from various sources, the President has decided to respectfully discharge Archandra Tahar from his position as the Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources," State Secretariat Minister Pratikno told reporters attending a press conference at the President’s office on Monday.
Pratikno added that Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Luhut Pandjaitan would temporarily fill the the role and carry out duties as acting Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources until a definitive minister was appointed.
State-run news agency Antara previously reported that Archandra said he had surrendered his US citizenship, and that he had an Indonesian passport, which was valid until 2017.
Archandra reportedly became a US citizen by naturalization in March 2012. He was one of nine new ministers appointed by President Joko Widodo in his Cabinet reshuffle last month, the President’s second shakeup since taking office less than two years ago.
Pratikno said the decision would take effect on Tuesday (Aug 16).
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/newly-appointed/3045878.html?cid=fbcna
