TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT Pertamina (Persero) CEO Simon Aloysius Mantiri admitted that he briefly went into hiding after the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) revealed the alleged corruption case involving the management of crude oil and refinery products. According to him, there was a reason for his decision to stay out of the public eye.

“I am being completely open about this. When the AGO first held its press conference, we respected the legal process and the facts uncovered. I, personally, chose not to appear at that time to avoid escalating tensions,” Simon said during a hearing with the House of Representatives’ Commission VI in Jakarta, on Tuesday, March 11.

He said that he chose to stay out of sight to prevent the perception that Pertamina was being defensive. The company, he said, opted to give law enforcement time to conduct its investigation. “During that time, we also conducted internal introspection and evaluation. A few days later, I, along with Vice President Director Wiko Migantoro and Acting Daily Executive of Pertamina Patra Niaga Mars Ega Legowo Putra, held a press conference,” he stated.

Although the corruption case spans the 2018–2023 period, Simon—who was appointed CEO in 2024—feels responsible. He even apologized to the Indonesian people for the controversy. “Give us the opportunity to work hard and restore public trust and pride in Pertamina,” he said.

To ensure business continuity, Simon said that Pertamina has established a crisis center, supported by all subholdings and directorates. This unit integrates information, coordinates across functions, and deploys personnel to monitor potential business and operational risks. “I am deeply grateful for the support from Commission VI because Pertamina, as a state-owned enterprise, plays a crucial role in maintaining national sovereignty,” he said.

Simon said he appreciates all the support given to Pertamina, which he described as one of the backbones of Indonesia’s economy. He recalled being summoned to the State Palace when he was appointed CEO, where President Prabowo Subianto gave him a clear directive.

“His message was simple and unchanged. He told me, ‘Be loyal only to the nation and the people of Indonesia. Be loyal only to the red and white [flag].’ While pointing to the flag behind him, he emphasized that Pertamina is a pillar and foundation of the nation,” Simon recounted.

Despite the legal proceedings, Simon assured that many within Pertamina remain committed to positive change. As a transparency measure, he has opened Pertamina’s official call center, 135, for the public to report grievances. “During the press conference, I even shared my personal phone number for direct feedback. I carry this phone everywhere and answer calls myself—no admin, to maintain a personal touch,” he said.

Simon acknowledged receiving backlash over the scandal but viewed it as part of the company’s improvement efforts. “We’ve also received support and reports about fraudulent practices at gas stations. We will work with law enforcement to clean up these issues so the public is not harmed,” he concluded.

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