Minister loses post after dual nationality scandal.

  16 Agustus 2016 11:46

Brilio.net/en - President Joko Widodo has dismissed Arcandra Tahar with honor from his position as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources as rumors circulated about the latter's citizenship status.

State Secretary Pratikno announced the movein a press conference on Monday evening at the presidential Palace.

Responding to the public statement regarding the citizenship status of Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arcandra Tahar, and after collecting information from several sources, the President has decided to dismiss with honor Arcandra Tahar from his position as energy and mineral resources minister," said Pratikno.

Jokowithen appointed his loyal backer Luhut Binsar Panjaitan as a temporary replacement until a definite successor is chosen.

When asked wheter the dismissal was based on political or legal reasons, Pratikno said it hadvarious dimensions.

Arcandra Tahar recently was rumored to havedual nationalityfor both the US and Indonesia.

When the rumors started, some factions in the House of Representatives immediately asked him to resign.

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