Daftarsbmptn.com – Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok, officially resigned from his position as President Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero) after several of his important proposals were rejected by the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Ahok announced this decision while appearing as a witness in the trial of the alleged corruption case regarding crude oil management at Pertamina at the Jakarta Corruption Court on January 27, 2026.
Ahok explained that the reason for his resignation was not solely due to internal company issues, but rather due to sharp political differences between himself and Jokowi regarding the management of PT Pertamina. He emphasized that after facing rejection of several of his proposals and feeling they were no longer strategically aligned, he chose to resign out of principle.
Chronology of Resignation
According to Ahok’s testimony in court, the process began with the preparation of the 2024 Company Work Plan and Budget (RKAP). He admitted that he had prepared and submitted important notes in the RKAP, which included a new procurement system estimated to achieve efficiencies of up to 46 percent, and received the signatures of all directors. However, despite thorough preparation, the ratification of the RKAP through the General Meeting of Shareholders (GMS) was delayed until January 2024.
Ahok revealed that he was supposed to step down at the end of December 2023 after the RKAP was finalized, but due to the delay in approval by the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, his resignation was only realized in early 2024.
In addition to the RKAP and operational efficiency issues, he also requested President Jokowi to appoint him as President Director of Pertamina to bring about more comprehensive changes. Ahok stated that he felt his authority as president commissioner was insufficient to drive the reforms he desired, especially since recent director appointments had not gone through the Board of Commissioners as they should have.
According to his testimony, Ahok’s request was rejected by Jokowi as were a number of other policy proposals Ahok had put forward, including those related to energy subsidy policies and the procurement system. Ahok stated that this disagreement was a key factor in his feeling that he could no longer contribute effectively to Pertamina.
Political Reasons Behind the Decision
During the trial, Ahok openly stated that his resignation was purely for political reasons and differing visions. He told prosecutors that his decision was not based on ambitions for position or material gain, but rather on a desire to leave a legacy of improvement at Pertamina, which he believed would be impossible to achieve if he remained in a position without the support of the highest authority, the President.
According to him, the incompatibility between the vision and central government policy made the role of the president commissioner less effective. This was exacerbated by the government’s policy on fuel subsidies, which, Ahok said, often forced Pertamina to cover losses with short-term loans due to selling prices that did not reflect market conditions.
Political Impact and Public Reaction
Ahok’s decision to resign from Pertamina automatically sparked a widespread response in political circles and the public. Many analysts saw this move not simply as a change of position within the state-owned enterprise, but also as a symbol of a shift in political relations between Ahok and the circles of power within the central government. This decision also fueled speculation about Ahok’s future political direction, especially in the context of the ongoing dynamics of national politics leading up to the election and a new political period in Indonesia.
Some observers believe that this resignation could strengthen Ahok’s image as an independent figure consistent with reform principles but others consider it high political risk, as it could position him more directly against the current government. Public reactions on social media have varied, from support for his firm stance to criticism of his choice, which is perceived as neglecting his crucial role in one of the country’s strategic state-owned enterprises.
Ahok’s resignation from Pertamina after his important proposal was rejected by Jokowi became one of the most closely watched national political and corporate news stories. This decision reflects an internal conflict between the reform vision and government policy, reopening discussions about the role of commissioners in state-owned enterprises, political-corporate relations, and how public figures like Ahok navigate these challenges. Its impact is felt not only within the national energy corporation realm, but also in the context of contemporary Indonesian politics.