Indonesia replaces trade minister after palm oil export scandal
15/06/2022 (Morning Star Online) - INDONESIA has appointed a new trade minister after President Joko Widodo announced a cabinet reshuffle as the government came under fire over its palm oil export policy.
Muhammad Lutfi was under pressure after banning shipments of palm oil for three weeks in a bid to deal with rising domestic cooking oil prices.
He blamed a “palm oil mafia” for undermining his efforts after introducing the ban which was introduced in April.
The export ban however created shockwaves in the global markets with a series of arrests on corruption charges after the chief prosecutor opened investigations.
Mr Lutfi was replaced by chairman of the National Mandate Party Zukifli Hasa who was inaugurated in a ceremony today.
Analysts have suggested that Mr Widodo made the appointment to appease the opposition party headed by Amien Rais which joined his ruling coalition government last year.
Three deputy ministers were also appointed to the ministries of manpower, spatial planning, and home affairs as part of the reshuffle.