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Garuda’s image must be rehabilitated, says SOE Minister Erick

09 December 2019 15:13

JAKARTA - SOE Minister Erick Thohir has affirmed that PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk’s (GIAA) image as a premium airline must be rehabilitated after the smuggling scandal that involved several members of the airline’s board of directors, including CEO Ari Askhara.

“I believe that with the ongoing process we must rehabilitate Garuda’s image. We should not stop at stopping [individuals involved in the scandal], but we must also improve [the airline’s] corporate image,’ said Mr Thohir at the #PrestasiTanpaKorupsi (Achievement Without Corruption) event held at 57 Public Vocational School in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta as quoted by Bisnis.com, Monday (9/12).

Following the smuggling of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and two Brompton folding bicycles on board a new Airbus A330-900 flown by Garuda from Toulouse, France on November 17, 2019, Mr Thohir has dismissed four members of the flag carrier’s board of directors, namely CEO Ari Askhara, Technical and Service Director Iwan Joeniarto, Cargo and Business Development Director Mohammad Iqbal, and Human Capital Director Heri Akhyar. For the time being, Finance and Risk Management Director Fuad Rizal has been appointed as the airline’s acting CEO.

In response, Mr Thohir said that the Ministry of SOEs has been coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that Garuda’s operations will not be disrupted, especially with the Christmas and New Year holiday season approaching.

“On Sunday (8/12) I called Garuda’s acting CEO to ensure that they are preparing their operations well, especially given that the holiday season is approaching. The airline’s service quality should not drop because of this issue,” Mr Thohir added.

Regarding the appointment of the airline’s new CEO, Mr Thohir still declined to comment further.

“The selection process has not started yet and will probably start this week. This week I will also have a meeting with Garuda’s board of directors,” concluded Mr Thohir. (MS)

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