Jakarta –
Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL)’s whereabouts are currently unknown after being declared involved in an alleged corruption case. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Harvick Hasnul Qolbib said he would automatically become ad interim (temporary) Minister of Agriculture to fill the vacancy.
“As an interim, of course, as an official who is in contact with the Minister of Agriculture, I am indeed an interim,” said Harvick to journalists, at the Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday (3/10/2023).
Harvick ensured that the ministry’s main duties and tasks continued to run until now. This is in accordance with President Jokowi who asked that policy not be stopped.
“Yes, of course, as an organization, the President directed us to ensure that our main duties and functions continue to run according to our respective duties in the main ministry of agriculture, of course because this is a technical matter, there are 5 directorates general, 4 agencies, 1 secretary general, 1 inspector general. We have to keep going without stopping because part of community service,” he said.
Harvick said the Ministry of Agriculture was still looking for SYL’s whereabouts. Until now, his party has not received any news from SYL.
“So to this day we continue to look for the Minister’s whereabouts because up to this moment we have had no news regarding the Minister’s whereabouts to this day,” said Harvick.
Harvick denied any indication that SYL had escaped from the alleged corruption case that ensnared him. He then asked for prayers from all parties.
“Well, God willing, no. Hopefully. We pray together so it can be finished. God willing,” said Harvick.
Harvick said his last communication with Syahrul Yasin Limpo occurred before leaving for Spain. He said there were two working visits, namely to Italy and Spain.
“Before leaving, I went to the Spain event. There were two visits, yes. One in Rome, Italy and one in Spain,” he said.
(eve/day)
2023-10-03 16:04:15
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