Erick Thohir Appointed As Acting Coordinating Minister for Maritime While Luhut Is Hospitalized

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - President Jokowi has temporarily appointed Minister for State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir as the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs due to Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan's ongoing health treatment in Sigapore.

Presidential Special Staff Coordinator, Ari Dwipayana informed journalists on Wednesday (11/10/2023), stating, “Because Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan (LBP), Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, is currently undergoing health treatment, President Jokowi has appointed Mr. Erick Thohir, Minister of BUMN, as the Ad-interim Coordinating Minister for Marves.”

Luhut is known for his somehow powerful role in the government compared to the other ministers. Despite his role in maritime, he also dealt with COVID-19 policy, and the project to relocate capital, among others. His wide influence gained him the title "Lord Luhut" from social media users, but the senior minister said he disliked the title.

Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, disclosed that he was unwell. He mentioned experiencing severe fatigue a few days ago. 

Luhut, on his official Instagram account @luhut.pandjaitan, said, “A few days ago, after attending my participation in an event, I unexpectedly experienced a level of exhaustion unlike my usual post-work fatigue.”

Concerned about his condition, Luhut's wife promptly brought him to a hospital in Jakarta.

"Noticing my unusual state, my wife took the initiative to escort me to a hospital in Jakarta for additional precautionary measures," he stated.

Luhut mentioned that due to his condition, the medical team advised him to refrain from his regular activities for several days. This included even checking the latest updates and news, which he typically did every morning.

"My wife insisted, 'Rest and pay attention to your body first,'" Luhut added, imitating his wife's words.

Being accustomed to a busy work life and active engagement in various activities, Luhut found his several days' hospital stay somewhat monotonous. Nevertheless, he is convinced that his wife's approach and the doctor's recommendations are in his best interest.

As a result, Luhut opted for his recovery in Singapore. The offer for treatment in Singapore came from Teo Chee Hean, the Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security in Singapore.

"After receiving an offer from Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, I decided to accept to undergo the recovery phase in Singapore, as well as allowing for a more comprehensive medical examination and evaluation regarding my health condition," he stated.

Luhut perceived his experience as a part of life's mysteries. He expressed gratitude to President Jokowi and everyone who offered their prayers for him.

"Due to this, I want to convey my heartfelt thanks, particularly to President @jokowi, who has arranged a team of presidential doctors and nurses to attend to me until I have now shown significant improvement," he said.

In moments like these, Luhut emphasized that the support and prayers from his family, friends, and the entire Indonesian population were the driving force that kept his spirits high and motivated him toward a swift recovery.

"Thank you for all the love and support that you have given to me. Because as a weak creature, I can only try and pray, let God Almighty repay all your intentions, prayers and good deeds," he concluded.

Muhammad Genantan Saputra contributed to this report.